Why I’m Suing Over Mid-Century Modern — The Story Behind My Lawsuit

I’m John Trapper — an award-winning LGBT playwright and television writer, and I’ve just filed a lawsuit that I believe every creator should pay attention to.

In 2013, I pitched a television series called Rainbow Estates to Hollywood. It was a comedy about three very different men retiring together in Palm Springs, complete with scripts, a show bible, and detailed character arcs. The premise blended humor, generational perspectives, and LGBT themes in a way that resonated across audiences including conservatives without losing authenticity.

One of the executives who heard my pitch was Leslie Kolins Small at 3 Arts Entertainment. She had direct access to my work. Fast forward years later, Hulu released Mid-Century Modern with the same setting, premise, tone, and core character relationships I created, but without my credit or compensation.

This isn’t my first battle with industry giants. I’ve won in the Los Angeles Superior Court of Appeals before. But this case isn’t just about me it’s about sending a message that creative theft is not “business as usual” in entertainment.

Through this site, I’ll share:

• The timeline and evidence behind the Rainbow Estates / Mid-Century Modern connection
• Updates on the legal process as my case moves through the courts
• Commentary on intellectual property rights and how creators can protect their work
• My broader journey as an LGBT artist and activist navigating Hollywood

If you’re a creator — or you care about protecting creative voices — I invite you to follow along. This is a David-and-Goliath fight, and I’m determined to see it through.