Michael Sheen, award-winning Welsh actor and activist known for his work in the Good Omens drama, which premiered in 2019, and A Very Royal Scandal in 2024, has recently been accused of alleged plagiarism following his new series Secret Million Dollar Giveaway. According to Deadline, Full Fat TV, the production company behind the documentary, has pushed back against the claim, stating that the project was independently pitched to Channel 4. In the accusation, claims state that Channel 4’s show allegedly bears a striking similarity to another TV series entitled Bank Job, which aired in 2021.
In an article by The Guardian, which first mentioned the lawsuit, lawyers for Daniel Edelstyn and Hilary Powell pointed out the show’s alleged similar attributes to Bank Job, questioning the authenticity of the project and the inspiration behind its creation. Channel 4 responded to the accusations with fervor, stating, “It’s ludicrous to suggest that one show is a copy of the other.” Sheen’s spokesperson has also commented on Sheen’s behalf, revealing that the inspiration came from British comedian John Oliver (also known for the voice of Zazu in The Lion King 2019 and Dr. Xenon Bloom in Rick and Morty), who had bought medical debt in the U.S several years prior.
Since the show’s premiere, it has received strong and positive reviews, seeing over one million viewers, according to Deadline. Sheen’s purpose for the show comes from his desire to help people of East London, who owed high-interest debt, to be free of their dues. He accomplished this by hiring debt experts to seek out £1M worth of the debt which was owed.
Since the accusation of alleged plagiarism was made, a Full Fat TV spokesperson has come forward, stating that the accusations were shameful and untrue. “It’s a shame that an important message about the unfairness of the credit system in this country, which Michael spent £100,000 of his own money to highlight, risks being lost due to these unfounded claims.”
Michael Sheen, Full Fat TV, and all involved with the accusations have been approached for further questioning following the Deadline article.