[Today, the Sony Group officially filed a lawsuit against YouTube in the Los Angeles District Court! In an interview, Sony's legal team stated that YouTube is fertile soil that nourishes piracy!]
[Today, Viacom, the parent company of Paramount and CBS, formally sued YouTube in the Los Angeles District Court! They claim that YouTube's existence seriously infringes upon their legal rights!]
[Today, Time Warner raised the butcher's knife against their own star! This morning, Time Warner officially took Isabella Haywood's invested YouTube to court!]
[Betrayed by all? The Walt Disney Company officially sues YouTube! Disney CEO Robert Iger said in an interview that suing YouTube was a difficult decision, as he and Isabella Haywood have known each other for nearly six years and have always had a pleasant collaboration. However, suing YouTube was inevitable, because the site contains too much pirated content, which goes against Disney's decades-long principles!]
[Shocking the world! YouTube received seven lawsuits within one week! As of April 4, YouTube has been sued by Fox, MGM, NBCUniversal, Sony, Viacom, Time Warner, Disney, DreamWorks, and Lionsgate!]
[————]
[Breaking news! The Los Angeles District Court has determined that the lawsuits filed by companies such as Fox against YouTube involve the same type of dispute with identical claims. Therefore, on April 7, it officially decided to consolidate all infringement cases against YouTube!]
[Time rewind? Five years ago, Napster battled the entire world over copyright issues. Five years later, will YouTube once again fight the world over copyright? Where exactly are the boundaries of internet copyright protection?]
[The war escalates! Five years later, a 1 vs 5 battle will turn into a 1 vs 9!]
[Will YouTube become the next Napster? Back then, the "Big Five" of the music industry jointly crushed Napster! Now, will nine major film companies directly slaughter YouTube?]
[————]
[April 14, 2006! The first pretrial mediation in the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube has concluded!
According to insiders, neither side could accept the other's arguments and demands!]
[————]
[April 17! The second pretrial mediation in the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube officially concluded under the supervision of the Los Angeles District Court! The plaintiffs' attorneys stated that they have only one demand and will not change it: shut down YouTube!]
[————]
[April 21! The third pretrial mediation in the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube also ended without results! The Los Angeles District Court announced that further mediation is no longer possible, and the litigation process will proceed!]
[————]
[April 24! The Los Angeles District Court announced that the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube will go to trial on the 28th! Isabella will attend as a potential witness!!!]
[————]
[April 25! FOX Television submitted a request to the Los Angeles District Court, seeking to broadcast the upcoming trial of the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube nationwide!]
[————]
[April 26! The Los Angeles District Court determined that FOX Television's request for a live broadcast is lawful and compliant, and has sent an inquiry to YouTube regarding whether it agrees to the broadcast! As long as YouTube agrees, we will be able to witness history firsthand!]
[————]
[Shocking! On April 27, YouTube stated that, following the advice of its investors, it will accept the live broadcast of the trial!]
[————]
[Unexpected twist! The Los Angeles District Court canceled this Friday's trial of the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube! The reason is related to the qualifications of the jury members! At the request of Fox, during the final review of the jury, the court discovered that among the 12 jurors, 3 were direct fans of Isabella Haywood, 4 were indirect fans, and among the remaining 5, their family members or friends were also fans of Isabella!]
[————]
[The Los Angeles District Court announced that the jury for the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube will be completely reselected!]
[————]
[The Los Angeles District Court announced that the jury reselection has failed! Because it seems there are no legally qualified citizens in the United States who are not influenced by Isabella Haywood!]
[————]
[Unexpected good news? An Ohio district court has officially dismissed Universal Tube's lawsuit against YouTube! The court ruled that YouTube did not infringe upon Universal Tube's rights!]
[————]
[Today, the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube has entered a special mediation stage! At Fox's suggestion and under coordination by the Los Angeles District Court, both parties agreed to reduce the jury size from 12 to 6 to lower the difficulty of selection!]
[————]
[May 8, 2006, the Los Angeles District Court officially announced that the jury for the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube has been successfully formed. The case will go to trial in seven days, on May 15, 2006! The trial will be broadcast nationwide!]
[————]
If, before April, North American audiences merely felt that the beginning of 2006 was somewhat surreal, then after entering April, almost everyone in North America—yes, basically everyone—felt that 2006 had gone completely insane.
The reason is simple. Six top-tier Hollywood companies led by Fox and three second-tier companies led by MGM sued YouTube, a company that had only existed for one year.
The moment Huffman made his move, the public was instantly stunned!
Because no one expected—truly no one expected—that these people were actually serious about it!
Well—
The public's logic is actually easy to understand.
Because YouTube today and Napster five years ago only appear similar on the surface.
Although both are hubs of piracy—
YouTube has a large amount of pirated videos;
Napster, before being shut down, reportedly had nearly ten million pirated songs;—but their business philosophies, social impact, and the damage caused to copyright holders are completely different.
First, YouTube has never claimed to support piracy;
Napster openly declared that it wanted to drive the price of pop music down to zero;
Second, YouTube contains legitimate content, including user-created videos;
Napster contained nothing but pirated material, with no legitimate content;
Finally, because video files are vastly larger than music files, pirated videos on YouTube exist only in fragmented clips. You cannot find complete pirated videos, which results in a poor experience for those seeking pirated content;
Napster, on the other hand, effectively emptied humanity's entire music library;
Pop, classical, jazz, rock—everything was available.
When YouTube and Napster are merely superficially similar rather than reincarnations of each other, yet capital forces insist on tying them together—then in many people's eyes, this is deliberate manipulation.
Deliberately creating inconvenience for the public.
Not to mention that when Napster was crushed back then, the "Big Five" of the music industry acted in complete unity.
But what about now?
At first, only Fox, MGM, and NBCUniversal accused YouTube of infringement.
If even the giants of the film industry cannot unite in their attack on YouTube, then it can only mean that they have differing opinions on whether YouTube actually infringes copyright.
The final encirclement—was nothing more than a product of public pressure.
At present, many people can see that Fox's lawsuit against YouTube was the trigger that led companies like Sony to join the attack.
However, none of that really matters now.
Because those were merely the causes behind the Hollywood giants suing YouTube—the beginning of the madness of 2006.
What truly shattered people's worldview were the bizarre events that followed.
For example, FOX applied to the court to broadcast the trial nationwide—
FOX is Fox's own television network, right?
So doesn't that mean the plaintiff is asking for complete transparency in the trial?
And if the plaintiff wants full transparency—isn't that basically announcing to everyone that they are 100% certain they will win?
Some people even felt that Fox's actions were no different from issuing a warning to the world:
"If you dare oppose us, there's only one outcome—death!"
Another example: the plaintiffs requested a review of the jury members' qualifications.
Everyone knows Isabella has a lot of fans.
But enough to influence the judicial process?
That part was unclear.
To be fair, under normal circumstances, people might think Isabella's influence was excessively powerful—almost absurd.
But right now—she is facing a giant with a market value exceeding 500 billion!
Everyone knows capital can influence the judiciary.
So if Isabella can influence it too—doesn't that just make her insanely impressive?
But here's the problem—
"Well… even though I'm a fan of Isabella and I'll support all her decisions unconditionally, I still have to say… this time, she might have made a mistake."
Because she could have dragged things out and avoided going to trial, forcing those big companies into a settlement!
But she gave up that advantage?
She agreed to Fox's proposal to reduce the jury size?
My god—this could put her and her company in a disadvantageous trap, or even cause her to lose the case entirely!
And honestly, agreeing to the live broadcast might also be a mistake.
When Fox and the others requested to broadcast the trial, they must have been fully prepared.
They would only do that if they believed they were guaranteed to win.
Otherwise—wouldn't that just be humiliating?
If those corporations believe they are certain to win, then Isabella shouldn't have allowed the broadcast.
Because if they present damaging evidence in court, her reputation will suffer.
I don't know what Isabella is thinking, but—
I hope God blesses her! Blesses YouTube! And lets them win the case!"
"..."
The rapid "tap-tap-tap" sound was like a sudden downpour, completely enveloping the dormitory area next to Vanderbilt University.
It also caused the roommate, who had intended to call out Milia Koffman's name, to fall silent.
The girl carefully walked behind her friend, squinting at the glowing computer screen. When she realized her friend was defending Isabella online, she immediately said—
"I don't think anyone wants to read rational arguments right now."
"You should just start insulting people."
"Ohhhhh—"
The sudden voice startled Milia Koffman.
She jumped up with a scream, spinning around in fright. When she saw it was her roommate, she finally relaxed.
But only for a moment, before her brows furrowed again.
"Oh my god—when did you get here?"
"Do you even make noise when you walk?"
"You nearly scared me to death!"
"That's because you were too focused—"
Her roommate rolled her eyes. "I could hear you furiously typing from the living room! Anyone who knows would realize that 'tap-tap-tap' sound is typing. Anyone who doesn't might think there's a serial killer in here!"
"I'm just anxious—"
Milia Koffman pressed her lips together, glanced at the screen, then looked back at her roommate helplessly.
"Seriously, I don't understand why Isabella made so many counterintuitive decisions. It's just…"
"So confusing!"
Her roommate was also an Isabella fan.
So she understood exactly what Milia meant.
As for that—she looked at the computer screen, stared at the text, and said with a smile:
"I think Isabella's actions are easy to understand. Because her true identity is an actress."
"When her rise to fame and personal wealth are deeply tied to Hollywood—"
"And then the Hollywood capital that made her famous sues YouTube, which she invested in?"
"Put yourself in her shoes. If Hollywood's big players called you and asked you to let YouTube agree to a nationwide live broadcast, what would you do?"
"W-What—?!" Milia Koffman screamed.
Her roommate's casual words left her completely stunned.
This made her raise her voice even higher as she shouted, "You mean—Isabella is being coerced right now?!"
"I'm just pointing out a possible situation."
"But if Isabella can be coerced by capital, then why wouldn't those capital forces just make her shut down YouTube directly?"
"Well—personally, I think those capital forces might want to turn YouTube into an example?"
Her roommate blinked. "A negative example?"
"Because for capital, their interests are untouchable. But for many years, they haven't been able to completely eliminate online piracy, so—maybe they want to set up a cautionary tale for the future?"
"As long as they brutally destroy YouTube, then in the future, no one might dare to pirate their content again."
At this point, her roommate shrugged.
"Ohhhh—these capitalists are absolutely disgusting—"
That seemingly plausible speculation made Milia Koffman clench her teeth, her face twisting.
At that moment, she even felt like she had awakened a bloodline limit!
Right now, she wished she could rush to Los Angeles and skewer those revolting Hollywood capitalists on the spot!
"I told you, at times like this, typing out a bunch of analysis isn't as effective as just insulting people."
Seeing her friend's anger, the roommate raised an eyebrow.
She reached out, closed Milia Koffman's laptop, wrapped an arm around her, and pulled her toward the living room. "Alright, alright, I know you're angry right now. You just officially received aid from the Nutria Foundation last month. But being angry doesn't help, does it?"
"Come out with me."
"The trial for the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube is at 10 a.m. Pacific Time."
"And it's already 9:30 now."
"If nothing unexpected happens, it's about to start."
"Let's go watch the trial. Hopefully—Isabella can keep being miraculous—"
That's right!
It was now May 15, 2006!
The trial in the Hollywood giants' lawsuit against YouTube would officially begin in 30 minutes.
Since this case had dominated headlines for an entire month, an enormous number of people were paying attention. Even though it was a workday, many had put aside their jobs to stare at their TVs.
As for how many supporters each side had?
Honestly, public opinion is hard to quantify.
So whenever you see numbers about "public support rates"—those figures are just statistics doing their magic.
Their greatest purpose is to give journalism something to talk about.
However, in this specific case of Hollywood suing YouTube, even though capital had spent the past month using every propaganda tool possible to speak for itself and clean up its image—public opinion was still overwhelmingly on YouTube's side.
Countless people supported Isabella in taking down billion-dollar capital.
The reasons were simple.
First, sympathizing with the weak is human nature, and hoping for the rise of a hero is instinct.
Second, do people living in a capitalist society really not know what capital is like?
After witnessing its ruthlessness time and time again, how could they support it?
So, the public had been "greeting" major capital forces for over a month now.
And as for that—most capital didn't care at all.
On a broader level, it's not like this was the first time they've been cursed by the public.
So people hate them again?
Let them hate.
Besides hating, what else can they do?
It wasn't until 2025 that people dared to charge into Brown University—to go after the second, third, and fourth generations of elite families in the Ivy League!
On a smaller level, this whole situation was led by Fox.
When Fox was the main force behind the class action, NBCUniversal and MGM quietly stepped back after making their deals, while Sony and Viacom, dragged into it, remained silent—whether the public outside was happy or not, what did it matter to them?
When the sky falls, the tall ones hold it up.
And the tall one..
"Is the situation under control?"
New York.
News Corporation headquarters.
Rupert Murdoch leaned back in his throne-like chair, leisurely staring at the TV in front of him.
On the screen was a live broadcast from FOX.
A field reporter stood outside the Los Angeles District Court, updating viewers on the latest developments.
The busy yet orderly scene pleased Rupert Murdoch.
"Yes, we've already warned Arnold Schwarzenegger."
The secretary said, "If what happened before happens again in Los Angeles today, then he can forget about reelection."
This year was California's gubernatorial election year.
Arnold Schwarzenegger wanted to be reelected.
After learning this, Rupert Murdoch had someone pass him a message—he wanted Los Angeles to remain absolutely quiet during the trial of their lawsuit against YouTube.
If there were even minor protests, Schwarzenegger could forget about staying governor.
Because Fox would absolutely go after him in the upcoming election.
As for why Murdoch did this?
Simple—he wanted to completely destroy Isabella in one go.
He had been fighting her for years.
He had already lost twice.
Isabella had cost him billions.
So when he had the upper hand—he would do everything possible to eliminate any variables!
Leave Isabella no chance to turn things around!
Yes—whether it was the nationwide broadcast or allowing Isabella to appear in court, it was all arranged by Rupert Murdoch.
Or rather, even the six jurors had already been bought by him.
Destroying YouTube was his goal, but destroying Isabella—that was his true desire!
!!
At the thought that after today Isabella would be utterly ruined—a smile spread across Rupert Murdoch's face.
"Okay, open a bottle for me."
He waved at his secretary. "Bring me Royal Tokaji. Today calls for something sweet."
Rupert Murdoch believed victory was certain.
Barry Meyer and Robert Iger, however, looked troubled.
At the moment, they were sitting together, drinking and watching TV.
The FOX broadcast made Robert Iger let out a heavy sigh. "Why couldn't you persuade Isa?"
"I'd like to know why you couldn't persuade her either—"
Barry Meyer immediately replied, "Honestly, when I heard that Isa wanted to go to court and… go head-to-head with us, I thought she had lost her mind—"
Just as Catherine had judged, their support for Isabella was limited.
After realizing that Rupert Murdoch was determined to fight her to the end this time, they had tried to persuade Isabella to give up YouTube and not let it affect future business.
But unfortunately—she didn't listen.
Actually, not only did she not listen, she even prepared to confront Murdoch head-on!
Once that decision was made—once Isabella declared she would personally go to court and clash with Murdoch—
Barry Meyer and Robert Iger were stunned!
At that moment, she felt like a stranger to them.
If Isabella hadn't bluntly said that she was furious at Murdoch and wanted to fight for her pride—they might have called the police and had her taken in for treatment!
Of course, even though they had now accepted her decision, they still felt she was being impulsive.
"Honestly, I don't understand what Isa is thinking this time."
"Going to court just to scold Fox—is that really so important to her?"
"She said that after today, regardless of winning or losing, she would settle with us?"
"Well—if she was going to settle anyway, why not do it earlier?"
Barry Meyer's words made Robert Iger recall the past.
Then his head started to ache.
If he had to describe it—there was a sense of helplessness mixed in.
After all, he had watched Isabella grow up.
Seeing the once adorable kid turn into a stubborn mule—he could only think that she had entered a rebellious teenage phase.
As for that—
"Forget it, let's not talk about this. You've made arrangements with the court, right?"
Barry Meyer brushed aside the pointless topic.
"Of course. Haven't you?" Robert Iger nodded helplessly. "We're the plaintiffs, and now we're asking the court to take care of the defendant. This is just… absurd…"
"Hahaha—"
Robert Iger's resignation made Barry Meyer laugh.
He sighed and continued watching the TV.
"No choice. We're on the same side as Isa, after all."
"So—"
"Let's hope she gets lucky—"
"Even though I don't think YouTube can win, and as Warner's chairman I don't want it to win… I still don't want YouTube and Isa to suffer a crushing defeat. That would just be unbearable…"
Just as Barry Meyer murmured his thoughts, the TV screen suddenly cut.
A convoy of black cars approached the Los Angeles District Court.
As they stopped and security personnel stepped out, a youthful yet composed figure came into view.
The familiar face made Barry Meyer smile.
"Oh—Isa's here—"