Supreme Court Denies Nicci Gilbert’s Petition
After a five-year legal battle, the U.S. Supreme Court has officially denied Nicci Gilbert-Daniels’ petition for certiorari in her copyright infringement lawsuit against Lionsgate and STARZ over the hit series “P-Valley.”
The decision, issued October 6, 2025, ends Gilbert-Daniels’ long-running fight to prove that “P-Valley” was inspired by her 2011 musical film, Soul Kittens Cabaret, and a subsequent pilot titled, “Curtains.”
Despite her disappointment, the Brownstone founder and Grammy-nominated artist made it clear that her mission for creative equality is far from over.
“While I am disappointed, I remain steadfast in my belief that this case was a historic opportunity to confront the systemic inequities that have long silenced underfunded and underrepresented creators,” Gilbert-Daniels said in a public statement following the ruling.
Nicci Gilbert’s Statement On The Supreme Court’s Denial
Nicci emphasized that her case was about more than personal gain.
It was about standing up for independent creators, often overshadowed by major studios.
For five years, I have fought to defend my intellectual property, Soul Kittens Cabaret, against one of Hollywood’s largest studios.
This was never just about me; it was about due process, fair trials, and every creator who’s been told they’re too small to win.
She also called out what she described as a troubling pattern of dismissals in Hollywood copyright disputes.
Hollywood has won 99% of copyright cases over the past two decades not because every artist was wrong, but because the system is built to favor the powerful.
Although the nation’s highest court declined to hear her case, Gilbert-Daniels vowed to continue telling her story through her upcoming book “Nicci vs. Goliath: The Cost of Justice”, along with a companion documentary and music project set for release in 2026.
Winning in the court of law is important but winning in the court of public opinion is purpose.
See Nicci’s original post below.
Katori Hall Breaks Her Silence
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, “P-Valley” creator Katori Hall, who had largely remained silent throughout the legal proceedings, issued a detailed and heartfelt statement affirming that “P-Valley” is entirely her original work.
Hall began her statement with one word: “DENIED.”
On October 6, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Nicci Gilbert, who claimed my television series P-VALLEY infringed on her copyrighted work.
Katori referenced the 2023 ruling from U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, who determined that P-Valley was not “substantially similar” to Soul Kittens Cabaret.
For good reason, I have never read, seen, or been given Soul Kittens Cabaret.
Katori Hall Details Her Creative Process
In her statement, Katori Hall revealed that “P-Valley” originated from her 2009 stage play “P*ssy Valley,” long before the STARZ adaptation premiered in 2020.
During my deposition, I found an early draft of the play in a 2009 email.
I marveled at how much of the dialogue from those first pages remained in the P-VALLEY pilot; how Uncle Clifford, Miss Mississippi, Mercedes, and Autumn all jumped off the page.
Katori said she provided the court with over 16,000 pages of material, including drafts, pitches, and early pilot scripts as proof of her independent creation.
As an artist, exposing my creative process so vulnerably felt like a violation.
Despite this discomfort, I gave the plaintiff the access she craved to no avail.
This generosity was met with online attacks and lies.
She added that while the experience was painful, she’s grateful that the truth prevailed.
I have stayed silent for years, but my silence has become a liability in an echo chamber of lies.
I’m speaking now, not with bitterness, but with my deepest truth. P-VALLEY is my original work.
A Message Of Gratitude And Closure
Katori Hall closed her statement by expressing gratitude to the women whose stories inspired “P-Valley” and reflected on the decade-long journey it took to bring the series to television.
I worked relentlessly for over ten years to bring P-VALLEY to television.
Six years of interviewing women in locker rooms and living rooms all across this nation.
Countless no’s. And one promise: I will tell your story with the respect it so deserves.
She concluded with grace and reflection.
One of my favorite new Uncle Clifford rules is this: ‘You ain’t gotta stand on people to stand on business.’
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.
See Katori’s original post below.
Two Women, One Industry, And A Larger Conversation
With the Supreme Court’s denial, both women’s chapters in this legal saga have seemingly closed, but the larger conversation about creative ownership, representation, and justice in Hollywood remains wide open.
Nicci Gilbert-Daniels continues her advocacy through WIRF Media and The Creatives Coalition, pushing for what she calls “Creative Equality.”
Meanwhile, Katori Hall moves forward with “P-Valley” Season 3, preparing to tell more stories rooted in resilience, womanhood, and truth.
In Closing…
No matter which side you stand on, this case highlights the complex realities of creativity, ownership, and recognition in the entertainment industry.
Both women, artists, storytellers, and trailblazers, have faced immense scrutiny, yet their voices continue to spark vital discussions about fairness and authenticity in Hollywood.
Frens, what are your thoughts on the Supreme Court’s decision and Katori Hall’s response?
Do you believe justice was served? Drop your thoughts below.
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