Astonished Dan says I'm not your man

Dan Brown has refuted allegations that the ideas and material used in his best-selling book The Da Vinci Code has been plagiarized from the work of historians Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh.

BY SAMIDHA SATAPATHY

17 March 2006
MUMBAI, INDIA

Dan Brown, in a 69-page statement at the witness stand, responded to allegations made by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh, of having plagiarized the material used in his best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code, saying he had credited both historians in the book. He emphasized, "I would like to restate that I remain astounded by the claimants' choice to file this plagiarism suit."

Da Vinci Code made headlines not only for its popularity among readers fascinated by the theme of a secret code in the work of the celebrated painter Leonardo Da Vinci, but also because of its controversial arguments, which suggest that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married and their bloodline was protected by the secretive Priory of Sion. Church leaders reacted with outrage against this, although it is arguable that the book has led to the popularizing of a more 'balanced' Christianity that is more appealing to its 21st century audience.

But according to the two historians, who are suing Random House as well, which had published their historical work The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, in 1982, the ideas have been directly lifted from the latter book.

According to Random House lawyers however, the ideas in the book are not under copyright because they are too general. Dan Brown has also clarified this point, saying, "Messieurs Baigent and Leigh are only two of a number of authors who have written about the bloodline story and yet I went out of my way to mention them for being the ones who brought the theory to mainstream attention."

The case will have widespread implications in terms of setting a precedent, as the book itself has sold an estimated 40 million copies. The Hollywood adaptation of the book, due to be released in May, however, is not expected to be affected by the Da Vinci Code plagiarism lawsuit.