‘Hypocrite, Thief and Liar’: Creator of ‘Cooley High’ Eric Monte Accuses Producer Norman Lear of ‘Stealing’ His Show Ideas: ‘Good Times’ ‘Sanford and Son’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ In Resurfaced Interview, Fans React
From the Atlanta Black Star:
“A resurfaced interview has reignited the debate regarding who is the father of Black television. Over the years, legendary producer Norman Lear has always been credited with the title thanks to hit television shows such as “Good Times,” “Sanford and Son,” “What’s Happening,” and “The Jeffersons.” However, longtime writer Eric Monte claims Lear was a “thief” and a “liar” who spent years profiting off the back of Black creatives.
The conversation was initiated after the singer and TikToker Dara Starr Tucker brought it to her fan’s attention during an episode of her “I’m All Over the Place” podcast. Tucker highlighted key points from several of Monte’s speaking engagements, including a 2010 interview with Up Front.”
Read the full article in the Atlanta Black Star
