After years of legal back and forth, “P-Valley” creator Katori Hall has clinched a significant win in her copyright dispute with Nicci Gilbert (Gilbert-Daniels). On October 6, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Gilbert’s petition, effectively refusing to hear her appeal, which put an end to the legal battle for Hall’s “P-Valley” series. 

In response to the Supreme Court’s denial, Hall issued a statement on social media that emphasized “P-Valley” as entirely her original work, she shared her decade-long journey of developing the story from her early play “P*ssy Valley,” and compiled over 16,000 pages of drafts and pitches as proof. In the caption of the post, Hall said, “Case closed. While this long and arduous ordeal has tested my reputation and my patience, I wish the plaintiff peace. I am so thankful the truth has prevailed, allowing me to finally close this difficult chapter.”

Gilbert had claimed that “P-Valley” pulled too heavily from her 2011 musical “Soul Kittens Cabaret." She argued that the series borrowed characters, themes, and narrative elements. A judge had already ruled in 2023 that “P-Valley” was not “substantially similar” enough to count as infringement.

After that initial ruling, a judge dismissed her case and ordered her to pay legal fees to Lionsgate, Starz, and the show’s creators, which totaled a whopping $600k. On top of that, the court ordered her to pay an additional $170k.

Hall’s win underscores the importance of protecting one’s voice and vision. And to keep your receipts neatly filed.

“P-Valley” is finally ready for its 3rd season. According to an X user, Gilbert has been the holdup for season 3. Hall shared this post, teasing season 3, at the end of 2024: