Elisabeth Hasselbeck's book: common knowledge or plagiarism

June 24, 1:46 PMDC Gluten Free ExaminerSandra Robins

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After reading the letter from Sue Hassett’s lawyer detailing the questionable passages in Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s book, it appears that many of the examples are not plagiarism, but instead common knowledge regarding celiac disease.

This is the definition of common knowledge from the Yale website. 

One sign that something is community knowledge is that it is stated in 5 or more sources. So, if it’s known to educated people, or can be easily looked up, or appears in many sources, it is likely to be ‘common knowledge’ and so does not need to be cited.”

The following information that was listed as examples of plagiarism or copyright infringement is common knowledge.

• Wheat free does not mean gluten free.
• Shop in the outer aisles of grocery stores for gluten free foods.
• Keep checking with manufacturers in case ingredients or manufacturing change.
• Deli slicers may contaminate deli meats.
• Spices may contain gluten.

While both books cover similar topics, including a description of celiac disease, symptoms, kids with celiac, traveling, kitchen tips, and eating out, it is likely that any comprehensive book about celiac disease would include these topics. These books are very different. The table of contents of Hassett’s book can be viewed here.

Hassett self-published her book last year and it was released on Amazon in April 2009, approximately one week before Hasselbeck’s book was released. Hasselbeck has denied the allegations. The lawyer’s letter includes the following quote from Sue Hassett regarding the copy of her book, Living with Celiac Disease, she sent 14 months ago to Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

To my amazement, I never received so much as a confirmation or even a thank you card…So much for celiacs sticking together.”

Hassett’s lawyer Richard C. Cunha "has been cited for professional misconduct by a state disciplinary authority" in 2004. Another interesting note is that Oprah was copied on the lawyer’s letter. Additionally, Sue Hassett included in her book a letter she wrote to Oprah five years ago. This raises an interesting question: Could Sue Hassett’s goal in all of this be to appear on Oprah?