### Legal Battle Erupts Over Alleged Fleetwood Mac Inspiration in Broadway's Stereophonic

In a developing legal controversy, Ken Caillat, famed producer for Fleetwood Mac, and Steven Stiefel, co-author of a memoir about the iconic band, have filed a lawsuit against the creators of the award-winning musical Stereophonic. The production, which has garnered significant acclaim and secured five Tony awards this year, tells the story of a fictional British American band in the 1970s, grappling with internal tensions while recording an album. Critics such as Gloria Oladipo from The Guardian and Sara Holdren from Vulture have noted the striking resemblances to Fleetwood Mac, specifically spotlighting parallels with the tumultuous creation of the band's legendary album, Rumours.

Caillat and Stiefel argue that the playwright, David Adjmi, unlawfully appropriated crucial aspects of their 2012 book, Making Rumours, to develop Stereophonic. They allege that Adjmi’s work mirrors “the heart and soul” of their memoir, presenting similarities that go beyond mere coincidence. One notable example cited in the lawsuit is a character in the play who, like Caillat, is a sound engineer offering an outsider’s vantage point on the band. Another is a specific incident where a guitar take is erased under orders, leading to significant discord, which Caillat and Stiefel claim was directly lifted from their book.

The lawsuit also highlights the potential impact on future adaptations of their memoir. Caillat and Stiefel fear that the success of Stereophonic, which has grossed over $20 million on Broadway, could undermine any similar projects they might pursue. Compounding their concerns, Adjmi reportedly plans to adapt the stage production into a movie, potentially precluding a cinematic interpretation of Caillat and Stiefel’s book.

In response to the controversy, Adjmi has dismissed the allegations, emphasizing in an interview with the New Yorker that his play is a fictional creation inspired by multiple sources, including his own experiences. "Any similarities to Ken Caillat's excellent book are unintentional," Adjmi stated. Despite this, Caillat has expressed feelings of being “ripped off” and maintains that the connections drawn by critics between Stereophonic and Fleetwood Mac are undeniable.

Historically, Adjmi has faced similar accusations. In 2015, he was sued for copyright infringement over his show 3C, which was accused of imitating the 1970s sitcom Three's Company. However, the court ruled in Adjmi’s favor, determining it was a case of “fair use.”

Caillat and Stiefel are seeking unspecified damages and a cessation of Stereophonic’s distribution and performances. The Guardian has reached out to representatives for Stereophonic for comments, but no response has been provided thus far.