Legal Troubles Delay Season 4 of "The Chosen".
Angel Studios claims exclusive rights to streaming. The Chosen says these are terminated. Now, Dallas Jenkins states Season 4 is delayed.
Last year, I reported on how the lawsuit filed by Angel Studios against their former CDO-turned-President of The Chosen, Brad Pelo, exposed (amongst many ethical questions) the long delay between Seasons 2 and 3.
You may see the full legal filing, and my exclusive report, here.
Over the weekend, Dallas Jenkins posted a video in which he indicates that the show has hit more legal roadblocks, delaying the release of Season 4 to streaming.
(Video Clip: The Chosen, youtube)
Being that Jenkins specifically mentions Angel Studios in his video, and that his SEC filings indicate “The (Chosen)’s prior exclusive license agreement with Angel Studios, Inc. has been superseded and replaced…” it seems reasonable to conclude the Harmon Brothers are putting up a fight to retain exclusive streaming rights.
In fact, as I reported last year, The Chosen issued two Form 8-K SEC filings—one in April, one in October—notifying Angel Studios of their intentions to “terminate” distribution licensing.
It seems legal negotiations for distribution might be difficult, however, when your prior platform alleges your current President ditched his position and fiduciary responsibility as Chief Distribution Officer overseeing said distribution contract rights?
When news broke that The Chosen had split with Angel Studios and taken up with Lionsgate to distribute the show in theatres, the Harmon Brothers were quick to issues a statement doubling down on Angel Studio’s exclusive rights, publishing in May 2023—a month after The Chosen issued their intention to terminate their rights:
Eyes now turn to the question looming not only on The Chosen, but Angel Studios and other for-profit companies that present the “pay it forward” marketing scheme—How does a for-profit company file for donations—especially when such for-profit companies are directly inline with the non-profit, such as the “Come and See Foundation”? This recent SEC filing is quite a mind maze (and note the SECOND signatory for The Chosen):
Will the questions surrounding the “pay-it-forward” success by Angel Studios expand the spotlight on The Chosen’s similar practises?
I suppose we shall see as tax season approaches.
I have wondered why I have The Chosen app and the Angel app.. both show The Chosen.. looks like Angel not gonna give it up.. last year reading your reports about the inside workings of The Chosen made me question you resources etc.. I don’t anymore.. I watched Dallas’ explanation for the delay after being assured release would be immediately after theatre was completed.. that’s not gonna happen now it seems., also seem like he was asking for more money for production etc which I can understand but what has that to do with releasing this to stream.. season 4 is already done.. I’m real disappointed in all of this.. like all good things it seems some very bad decisions have been made. Maybe through ignorance. Or greed, or both.. but I rear the price may be paid by lack of trust by those of us who have supported them faithfully..