ITV avoids trial with ‘Duck Dynasty’ producers

A lengthy legal battle between ITV and Duck Dynasty producer Gurney Productions has reached an end.

ITV has acquired the remaining stake in the business, assuming full control of Gurney, which was founded by couple and partners Deirdre and Scott Gurney.

The dispute between the businesses goes back to 2016, when ITV – which first bought a 61.5% stake in Gurney Productions in 2012 for $40m – sued the pair for self-dealing, fraudulent concealment and breach of contract days after suspending them.

The Gurneys fought back with a $100m countersuit, accusing ITV of extortion.

The pair was ultimately reinstated as heads of Gurney in March 2017 though the case has been mired in legal back and forth since then.

ITV said: “ITV and Deirdre and Scott Gurney have reached a settlement which resolves all claims and issues asserted in the litigation between them to their mutual satisfaction.

“As part of the settlement, the Gurneys will sell their 38.5% stake in the company they founded, Gurney Productions, the company behind over 50 reality television shows including the hit series Duck Dynasty. The remaining terms of the settlement are confidential. The Gurneys are free to pursue other interests in the entertainment field.”

The Gurneys said: “We are excited to be back doing what we do best, developing scripted and unscripted film and tv projects. We have been extremely fortunate to work with so many talented individuals over the past 15 years and look forward to continuing to do so as part of this new chapter.”