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O’Neill Officially Joins ‘Modern Family’ Lawsuit, as Cast and Producers Negotiate

Jul 27, 2012  •  Post A Comment

Actor Ed O’Neill has officially become part of the lawsuit filed by the actors on ABC’s "Modern Family," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In an amended complaint filed Thursday, O’Neill threw in with his castmates — Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet and Sofia Vergara — alleging that their deals should be deemed illegal because they violate California’s prohibition on personal services contracts that extend beyond seven years.

Negotiations took place Thursday between the actors’ representatives and 20th TV Chairs Gary Newman and Dana Walden, with an ABC representative also involved. The talks were considered positive, although they fell short of an agreement on new deals and failed to convince the actors to drop the lawsuit. The suit was characterized by some as playing hardball.

"Modern Family" has been extremely successful, both critically and commercially. The cast members are seeking significant increases in salary.

As of Monday, 20th had offered the non-O’Neill group $150,000 per episode for season four (plus a $50,000 bonus), $200,000 per show in season five; and up to $325,000 per episode by the ninth season.

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