Mar 16, 3:47 PM EST

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES -- Carol Burnett has filed a $2 million copyright infringement lawsuit against 20th Century Fox, claiming her cleaning woman character was portrayed on the animated series "Family Guy."

The U.S. District Court lawsuit, which was filed Thursday, said the Fox show didn't have the 73-year-old comedian's permission to include her cleaning woman character, Charwoman, in an April 2006 episode.

The episode shows Charwoman as a porno-shop maid, and it uses what the lawsuit called an "altered version" of Burnett's theme music. The characters in the show also perform Burnett's signature ear tug, the lawsuit said.

Besides copyright infringement, Burnett alleges 20th Century Fox violated her publicity rights.

The studio said it was surprised by the lawsuit over what amounted to about an 18-second scene.

"'Family Guy,' like 'The Carol Burnett Show,' is famous for its pop culture parodies and satirical jabs at celebrities. We are surprised that Ms. Burnett, who has made a career of spoofing others on television, would go so far as to sue 'Family Guy' for a simple bit of comedy," said 20th Century Fox Television spokesman Chris Alexander.

Linky Poo

"'Family Guy,' like 'The Carol Burnett Show,' is famous for its pop culture parodies and satirical jabs at celebrities. We are surprised that Ms. Burnett, who has made a career of spoofing others on television, would go so far as to sue 'Family Guy' for a simple bit of comedy," said 20th Century Fox Television spokesman Chris Alexander.

I think that quote right there says it all IMO.

I can remember seeing that seeing, however I can't remember which episode of Family Guy it is from.

I have always really liked Carol Burnett, but I also like Family Guy.....and I think this whole thing is silly.

Scotty, this whole thing IS silly. And frankly? I don't believe Ms. Burnett has even ONE leg to stand on, figuratively speaking.

Parody is protected speech. "Family" guy is one huge parody.

The judge will literally LAUGH Burnett out of court because it's media law 101!

I guess it's okay for her to spoof others, but if someone spoofs her there's a problem.

Honestly, one or two guest appearances on "Desperate Housewives" and this broad thinks she can become a DIVA.

Get over yourself, GIRL!

Well she is a TV legend, but still...

Your time will come Burnett!

SO true, Drew. And you know the real jewel in all of this? She's SUING "FAMILY GUY."

Think about it: they're going to TRASH her on that show. Just watch!

^^Hahaha!

Then Stewie can say "Victory is mine!"

SO true, Drew. And you know the real jewel in all of this? She's SUING "FAMILY GUY."

Think about it: they're going to TRASH her on that show. Just watch!

honestly. Pay the !@#$%^&*] the two mill, they give that away on gameshows. Then rip her apart!

Hahahahaha! Now there's a plan.

I can already see a good long segment of the show dedicated solely to tearing down Carol Burnett

I can already see a good long segment of the show dedicated solely to tearing down Carol Burnett

Oh me too....and you know they'll do it too.

Honestly, one or two guest appearances on "Desperate Housewives" and this broad thinks she can become a DIVA.

Get over yourself, GIRL!

Carol was a DIVA a long long time before Desperate Housewives.

And she did WIN a lawsuit against The National Enquirer for defamation of character because they reported that she was drunk and disorderly at a celebrity function.

If they had parodied Carol herself, there would have been nothing she could have done. But since they used her trademark animated character "Charwoman" she does have a case for misappropriation of name and likeness & trademark violation.

No way she'll win violation of privacy, and/or copyright infringement.

At any rate, It makes her look like a bitter ole hag. Lighten up Carol, it's spoof comedy.

Carol was a DIVA a long long time before Desperate Housewives.

And she did WIN a lawsuit against The National Enquirer for defamation of character because they reported that she was drunk and disorderly at a celebrity function.

If they had parodied Carol herself, there would have been nothing she could have done. But since they used her trademark animated character "Charwoman" she does have a case for misappropriation of name and likeness & trademark violation.

No way she'll win violation of privacy, and/or copyright infringement.

At any rate, It makes her look like a bitter ole hag. Lighten up Carol, it's spoof comedy.

I agree Rick.....Carol Burnett was a diva and a legend lllllooooooooooonnnnnnngggggggggg before she appeared on Desperate Housewives.