CBS and Dish spar over ‘Big Bang’ star Kaley Cuoco’s tweet

A tweet from Kaley Cuoco, co-star of CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory,” is making a big bang of its own.

Cuoco tweeted praise for Dish Network’s new DVR called the Hopper as part of an endorsement deal with the satellite broadcaster. She said, “Amazing! Watching live TV anywhere on the #Hopper looks pretty awesome! Now where can I find a tiny beer? #ad”

Then the tweet disappeared and Dish accused CBS of ordering her to take it down. CBS is engaged in a legal fight with Dish over the commercial-skipping feature in its Hopper DVR.

“It is disappointing that CBS -- once the exemplar of editorial independence and innovation -- continues to use its heavy hand to hold back progress from consumers,” Dish Chief Executive Joe Clayton said in a statement.

CBS didn’t like being dissed by Dish and fired back that it did not tell the actress to yank her tweet.

“Once again Joe Clayton demonstrates his dubious gift for hyperbole and hucksterism. No demands were made, but it is clear that Dish’s culture of fabrication is alive and well,” CBS said in a statement.

While all the networks -- CBS, Fox, ABC and NBC -- are engaged in litigation with Dish over its AutoHop commercial skipper, CBS’ fight has gotten particularly nasty.

Last month, CBS-owned technology site CNET removed the Hopper from consideration for a top prize during a consumer electronics show. The litigation was cited as the reason but Dish cried foul.

ALSO:

Legal battle over Dish’s new DVR is brewing

Dish Network criticizes CBS ‘interference’ in CES awards

Follow Joe Flint on Twitter @JBFlint.

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