‘Bones’ stars sue Fox over profits

The “Bones” cast and crew may find it’s a chilly office Christmas party this year. That’s what happens when you sue your bosses.

Stars Emily Deschanel and David Boreanz have joined a lawsuit first filed by Kathy Reichs, an executive producer and the author of the books the program is based on, claiming they have been underpaid.

They say 20th Century Fox Television, Fox network and affiliated companies owe them “tens of millions” from profits made by the program, the longest-running drama in the network’s history.

How did this happen?

The complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court Monday alleges that Fox used spurious accounting practices, forcibly lowered license fees to reduce the show’s profits, and hid documents that would have shed light on just how much the stars were losing.

The suit notes Fox has been accused of accounting inaccuracies in the past in association with other hit shows it aired or produced, including “Cops” and “NYPD Blue.”

Fox has not commented on the lawsuit.

“Bones” has been one of Fox’s steadiest shows for years, with a loyal audience that has followed it through multiple timeslot changes.

This season, however, is expected to be its last, with the stars hinting they were ready to move on and ratings falling to series lows. In its 11^th season, it’s averaging a 1.2 adults 18-49 Nielsen rating.

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