Stapleton developer Forest City recently became upset with White House officials when the White House used a copyrighted term without the authority of Forest City. “Without our expressed written consent, White House Presidential Counselor Kellyanne Conway used the term ‘alternative facts,’” said Forest City spokesperson Janelle Ayers. “That specific term was coined and copyrighted by Forest City in 2012, and we have never released that term for use by others without payment or litigation. We have sent a cease and desist letter to the White House along with legal documents letting them know we are pursuing this matter in the courts.”
Forest City first used the term when they were being challenged in regards to their efforts towards income-qualified housing. Forest City President Phil Dargossi responded to someone questioning the fact that Forest City was only at 10% of the green book plan for income qualified homes. “That may be what you all have been seeing,” said Dargossi. “But we have some alternative facts that show otherwise.” The White House has yet to respond to the suit publicly, but anonymous reports coming from the White House are claiming Conway never used the term and that it is simply another example of the lying media. “This term was never used in any way by anyone in the White House,” said the anonymous source. “As everyone knows, President Trump never settles law suits.” Forest City, however, is not backing down. “This is our term to throw around how we choose,” said Ayers. “If the White House had gone through the appropriate channels and received our permission, this would not be a big deal. However, if we allow the White House to use the term publicly, it becomes a slippery slope as to who else gets to use the term.” And that’s the alternative fact, Jack.