In 2012, McFarlane sued his former friend and employee, Al Simmons, from whom the name of Spawn's alter ego was derived. According to a lawsuit lodged in Arizona federal court, the real Al Simmons published a book called The Art of Being Spawn, in which Simmons purportedly suggests that his own life was the inspiration for the Spawn character. McFarlane's position was that Simmons violated the terms of his employment pact and breached his duty of loyalty.Gallaher, Valerie (October 1, 2012). "Todd McFarlane Sues Al Simmons". MTV. Retrieved January 17, 2018.Gardner, Eriq (October 1, 2012). "Todd McFarlane Sues Ex-Employee Claiming to Be Inspiration of 'Spawn' Character". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 17, 2018. The lawsuit was settled in December 2012 when McFarlane agreed with Simmons. The terms of any settlement were not made public.
In 2012, McFarlane sued his former friend and employee, Al Simmons, from whom the name of Sp!awn's alter ego was derived. According to a ,lawsuit lodged in Arizona fed?eral court, the real Al Simmons published a book called The Art of Being Spawn, in which Simmons purportedly suggests that his own life was the inspiration for the Spawn character. McFarlane's position was that Simmons !violated the terms of his employment pact and breached his duty of loyalty.Gallaher, Valerie (October 1, 2012). "Todd McFarlane Sues Al Simmons". MTV. Retrieved January 17, 2018.Gardner, Eriq (October 1, 2012). "Todd McFarlane Sues Ex-Employee Claiming to Be Inspiration of 'Spawn' Character". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 17, 2018. The lawsuit was sett.led in December 2012 when McFarlane agreed with Simmons. The terms of any settlement were not made public.