It appears Netflix comedian Chelsea Handler has scrapped a new “Chelsea” segment dubbed “A Broad Abroad” after a journalist claimed she held the trademark for the name and came up with the concept.
Former Yahoo Travel editor-in-chief Paula Froelich took to Twitter over the weekend to accuse Miss Handler of purposely ripping off her “A Broad Abroad” brand as she continues to look for a seller.
“Hey @netflix and @chelseahandler you know I own the trademark to a broad abroad, right? U know it too because u almost bought my show,” Ms. Froelich claimed, Decider.com reported.
“Dont you hate it when you’ve been trying to sell something for years and then someone getting paid $$ rips you off?” she said.
Miss Handler debuted the travel advice segment on Friday’s episode of “Chelsea,” but it has since been deleted from YouTube.
The comedian’s statement to Page Six suggested she’s not moving forward with the project.
“I had no idea it was a thing,” Miss Handler said. “No need to cease and desist. I don’t want to intentionally or unintentionally rip anyone off.”
A search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office trademark database reveals that Ms. Froelich indeed holds a trademark for “A Broad Abroad” online travel series.
Ms. Froelich told Decider.com, “I guess imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. The good news is it proves my point (that I have been making for several years now) that women and adventure — with humor — is relevant and has a huge audience.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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