Issa Rae’s blockbuster success may come at a steep legal cost. The Emmy-nominated creator is now at the center of a federal copyright lawsuit that accuses her team of idea theft—and it’s getting messy.
Three Los Angeles screenwriters—Joshua Isaacson, Shon Oku, and Tyrone Perry—filed a suit on July 30, claiming Rae’s 2025 film One of Them Days lifted major elements from their own 2020 script titled One of Those Days.
They’re not just pointing fingers—they’ve brought receipts, legal backing, and a high-profile expert to break it all down.
⚖️ What the Lawsuit Claims
The plaintiffs allege that Rae’s company ColorCreative, along with Sony Pictures, TriStar, and screenwriter Syreeta Singleton, used their unpublished script without permission, credit, or compensation.
Their screenplay, One of Those Days, follows two friends facing financial chaos while navigating life in L.A.—a plot they say closely mirrors Rae’s film One of Them Days, which was released in January 2025 and starred Keke Palmer and SZA.
Despite differences in name and cast, the writers insist the story arcs, structure, tone, and humor are “substantially similar.”
Suspicious Timing & Connections?
The timeline raises eyebrows:
- In late 2023, the trio shared their script with a producer named Danny Hamouie—but never received a response.
- Then in April 2024, they pitched it to producers Roman Arabia and Xavier Charles of Green Eggs Go H.A.M. The project was turned down.
- Weeks later, Rae’s team announced One of Them Days.
Here’s where it gets sticky: Xavier Charles previously worked on Rae’s HBO hit Insecure. The writers claim this connection isn’t just coincidence—it’s the likely conduit through which their work was misused.
Movie vs. Script: What’s the Big Deal?
To prove the overlap isn’t just “Hollywood similarities,” the plaintiffs enlisted John Brancato—a veteran screenwriter behind The Game, The Net, and Terminator 3—to review both projects.
His conclusion?
The similarities were “substantial” and “not coincidental.”
In short, the lawsuit claims Rae’s team appropriated the trio’s original idea, reworked it slightly, and then profited—without ever acknowledging the source.
Big Money, Bigger Stakes
The plaintiffs are asking for:
- Damages
- Attorney’s fees
- A jury trial
And it’s not just about the script. One of Them Days made over $51 million at the box office on a $14 million budget—a major win for Rae’s production company and Sony.
But if this lawsuit gains traction, that win could turn into a high-profile courtroom showdown.
Rae & Sony Stay Silent… for Now
Neither Issa Rae nor Sony Pictures has commented publicly on the lawsuit. Rae has been praised for championing underrepresented voices in the industry, so the allegations—if true—could strike at the heart of her brand.
Her legal team has yet to file a formal response.
Why This Case Matters
This isn’t just about one movie. The lawsuit hits on a much larger concern in Hollywood: the fine line between inspiration and infringement.
With more creators pitching ideas outside traditional studio channels—especially through indie producers and streaming-friendly pipelines—the risks of idea theft and lack of protection are higher than ever.
If this case moves forward, it could reshape how:
- Unsolicited scripts are handled
- Creative ownership is proven
- Writers protect their intellectual property
Will This Shake Issa’s Empire?
Issa Rae has built her career on original, relatable storytelling—from Awkward Black Girl to Insecure. If the court sides with the plaintiffs, it could tarnish her reputation as a creator who uplifts new talent.
But if she clears her name, the suit could be seen as another example of Hollywood’s frequent “copycat claims” that don’t hold water.
Final Word
For now, One of Them Days is still streaming, still selling, and still a major milestone for Rae’s growing production empire. But behind the scenes, the legal battle is brewing—and it’s one to watch.
What do you think?
Should Hollywood have better protections for screenwriters, or is this just another baseless claim? Hit the comments below!
Stay tuned to The Pop Radar for the latest on this developing story.
