‘Project Runway' No Longer ‘Out' With Bravo?

It appears “Project Runway” may not be “out” with Bravo after all.

In a statement released today, NBC Universal said a court has blocked the hit fashion reality show’s move to Lifetime.

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“NBC Universal is pleased that the court granted our motion for a preliminary injunction against The Weinstein Company,” the statement released to Access Hollywood said. “The overwhelming evidence demonstrated that The Weinstein Company violated NBC Universal’s right of first refusal to future cycles of Project Runway. After hearing all of the evidence, the court issued an order prohibiting The Weinstein Company from taking the show or any spin-off to Lifetime.”

When contacted by Access Hollywood, a rep for Lifetime issued the following statement:

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“We are disappointed with the court’s decision to grant the preliminary injunction against The Weinstein Company. It’s unfortunate that the people hurt most by this ongoing dispute are the loyal fans of ‘Project Runway.’ In the meantime, Lifetime will pursue all measures to uphold its valid and binding agreement reached with The Weinstein Company for season six of “‘Project Runway.’”

In April, Lifetime announced it had reached a reported $150 million deal with The Weinstein Company (which produces “Runway”) to televise the next five seasons of the show, beginning in November.

However, NBC Universal maintained The Weinstein Company violated an agreement to give Bravo (the cable channel the show currently airs on) the first right of refusal after the initial five-season run concluded.

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According to court papers, The Weinstein Company began shopping the series because NBC Universal allegedly balked at its attempt to bundle the series with other Weinstein programs, which the network was not interested in, according to a previous report by The Associated Press.

“Runway’s” fifth season is currently airing on Bravo, and is down to the final four designers.

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PLAY IT NOW: 2008 Emmys Red Carpet: Heidi Klum Talks ‘Project Runway’
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