Producers Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford, founders of Pulse Films, sue Vice Media, claiming they are still owed more than $20 million related to Vice’s acquisition of their remaining stake in the company. Both outlets report the dispute centers on payments connected to Vice’s purchase agreement and the transfer of the producers’ 22% shareholding.
According to the accounts, Vice first takes a majority stake in Pulse Films in 2016 and then acquires Benski and Clifford’s remaining 22% in December 2021. Deadline states the 2021 deal includes $10 million in cash and a $43.24 million loan, while Variety reports the producers claim the unpaid amount is $20.43 million. The producers argue Vice has not fulfilled its financial obligations under the terms of the sale, while the outlets frame the matter as an active lawsuit.
The two reports focus on the same core figures—Pulse Films, the 2016 majority stake, the 2021 acquisition terms, and the claimed remaining balance—without detailing a counterargument from Vice or specific legal claims beyond the asserted debt.
