‘Bones’ stars Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz sue Fox for millions

The longest-running show in Fox’s history is the center of two lawsuits, with producers and stars Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz claimed they’ve been missing out on millions of dollars.

“Bones” co-stars David Boreanaz, left, and Emily Deschanel arrive at the Fox Upfront after party at Wollman Rink in Central Park on Thursday, May 15, 2008.

“Bones” has been one of Fox’s steadiest shows for years, with a loyal audience that has followed it through multiple timeslot changes.

Deschanel, Boreanaz and Reichs claim that in March 2008, during Season 3 of the hit series, 20th TV issued profit-accounting statements reflecting $70 million deficits that had to close before they would receive any profit sharing. Reichs is supposed to see 5 percent of the Bones profits – which she reportedly has not received. All parties are claiming that those profits have been withheld. Following a November 25 lawsuit filed by “Bones” executive producer Barry Josephson, which we reported earlier, the show’s stars are following suit by also slapping a lawsuit against the network.

“Plaintiffs bring this action to enforce their rights to these payments that they are rightfully owed, which they estimate to collectively exceed tens of millions of dollars”, Deschanel, Boreanaz and Reichs declare in their lawsuit against 21st Century Fox, Fox Entertainment Group, 20th Century Fox Film Corporation and Fox Broadcasting Company. Josephson even claims that Fox used threats of cancellation as a means of intimidation.

Unable to reconcile the growing deficits with the fact “Bones” was renewed season after season and hailed as Fox’s “golden child”, the plaintiffs exercised their contractual audit rights, according to the complaint.

The current season of Bones debuted on October 1 and is expected back on the air on December 10 after several weeks of pre-emptions unrelated to these lawsuits. Then again, nothing is set in stone just yet. Sound off in the comments!