Joseph McCullough of Media is being sued by Twentieth Century Fox over his pop-up bar based on Moe’s Tavern from The Simpsons television show.

McCullough is the founder and operator of the company behind the Moe’s Tavern pop-up, according to the lawsuit.

Fox, which owns the Simpsons franchise, is unhappy with the pop up, which McCullough describes as a fan-made parody event of the show and a tribute to Moe’s Tavern featured on The Simpsons, writes Victor Fiorillo for Philadelphia Magazine. 

The lawsuit, filed in Philadelphia federal court, states that Fox’s lawyers have repeatedly asked McCullough to cease and desist but that he has continued to advertise Moe’s pop-up events.

Moe’s Tavern came to the Springfield Mall back in 2021 with tickets starting at $37 for Simpsons-themed food and beer.  It has since opened in other parts of the country.

Besides using the name and concept of Moe’s Tavern, Twentieth Century Fox alleges that McCullough also uses Simpsons characters and plot points for the pop-up experience. There is also Moe’s Tavern and Simpsons-themed merchandise for sale.

The lawsuit is alleging copyright infringement, trademark infringement and other offenses.

Read more about Moe’s Tavern pop-ups and the lawsuit from Twentieth Century Fox in Philadelphia Magazine.

A visit to the Moe’s Tavern pop-up in 2021 at the Springfield Mall.