Viacom Sues Nick Cannon Over “Bad Vs. Wild” [Video]

Nick Cannon is at the center of a legal battle as Viacom accuses Zeus Network of blatantly copying Wild ’N Out for its new show, Bad vs. Wild.

The lawsuit alleges that Zeus intentionally lifted key elements of Viacom’s hit series, violating copyright laws to create a near-identical competitor.

“Zeus intentionally copied Wild ’N Out when developing Bad vs. Wild, fully aware it was infringing on Viacom’s intellectual property,” said Viacom attorney George W. Kroup. He argued that Zeus’s partnership with Cannon—who hosted Wild ’N Out for years—only strengthens the case that the network sought to profit off an established brand without creating original content.

Viacom claims Bad vs. Wild is more than an imitation—it’s a full-scale reproduction. The lawsuit outlines the similarities, including set design, format, live audience participation, celebrity guest appearances, DJ-led scoring, and championship prizes. These features, Viacom insists, are unmistakable trademarks of Wild ’N Out.

Adding to the dispute is Cannon’s role in the competing …