They said/We said: PBS forced to remove Downton Abbey-inspired jewellery

Photography By Nick Briggs/ITV For Masterpiece Courtesy Of eOne Films
Photography By Nick Briggs/ITV For Masterpiece Courtesy Of eOne Films

Well, we’re sure the Dowager Countess will have her knickers in a knot over this one. The U.K. production company Carnival Films—which is responsible for the creation of our latest TV obsession Downton Abbey—is taking legal action against PBS for selling unofficial Downton-inspired jewellery (named after the characters!) on their website.

The jewellery line looks more Downtown Alley if you ask us, with a lackluster collection of pearl drop earrings, brooches, and an English crown service tea set that would no doubt have Granny stamping her cane around like nobody’s business.

A Carnival Films spokesman announced, “We did not authorize the sale of Lady Mary jewellery. Our lawyers have been in contact with PBS in order to remove these items from sale,” and rightfully so, since Carnival Films and the show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, will not receive any profits from the sales (and probably don’t want to be associated with the cheap knockoffs).

The collection was removed from the PBS website on Tuesday afternoon.

THEY SAID:

The Look: “[…] fear not, ladies: If you want to accessorize like the Downton look, there are plenty places to pick up period-style pieces.” [The Look]

Guardian: “The Dowager Countess is not amused.” [Guardian]

WE SAID:

Randi Bergman, online editor: “I don’t know what’s worse. Bates working at the public house, Ethel messing around with the officer, or THIS! I know there’s a war on, but must the reputation of Downton be thus threatened? Granny AND Carson are not amused.”

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