NCIS creator Donald Bellisario took legal action against his own show’s network after a heated feud with actor Mark Harmon who reportedly stabbed him in the back

NCIS creator Donald Bellisario sued the CBS network after a bitter feud with actor Mark Harmon who allegedly betrayed him during the development of the first spin-off series.

In April of 2011, Donald took legal action against the network after he claimed that his contract was breached and he was owed millions of dollars from NCIS: Los Angeles. In his contract, Donald claimed that there was a clause that granted him the rights to have the “first opportunity” to create the first NCIS spin-off series. But after a new creator was hired to lead the project instead of him, Donald accused CBS of violating his contract and accused Mark of influencing the decision.

The lawsuit came after Donald accused Mark of encouraging the move to remove Donald from the project amid their ongoing tiff. Donald and Mark reportedly butt heads during the filming of the first four NCIS seasons because the leading actor disliked the creator’s “chaotic management style.” According to TV Guide, Mark worked 16 hours every day and during his long hours Donald reportedly micromanged his every move.

The network later confronted Donald about his behavior and told him: “Maybe you should work from a distance from it and not be quite as involved in terms of the way you work.” After this, Donald stepped down as the showrunner after leading the series for four successful seasons. Donald is still named as the executive producer of NCIS, but he has not been involved in the series creative or executive aspects since his exit in 2007.

After leaving the show, Donald was involved in a lengthy legal battle with CBS that was eventually settled in January of 2013. According to the court records, Donald was compensated over the years by CBS with $116 million, but the details of Donald’s final settlement were kept confidential.

After coming to the agreement, CBS Television Studios president David Stapf said in a statement: “We’re pleased to settle this lawsuit on amicable terms and put this dispute to rest.

Although we differed in opinion on this matter, our admiration, appreciation and respect for Mr. Bellisario has never wavered throughout. We consider him one of the best creative talents of his time and a valued member of the CBS family, whose shows, both past and present, have played an important role in CBS’ success.”