The Hollywood personality Lindsay Lohan is allowed to sue publisher Take-Two. Allegedly, her likeness was used for the “GTA 5” character Lacey Jonas – without her consent. A U.S. court has allowed the lawsuit.
As the responsible U.S. court in New York explains, Lindsay Lohan is allowed to sue publisher Take-Two. The Rockstar parent company allegedly used her likeness and even parts of her career and personal life for the “GTA V” character Lacey Jonas. Lohan did not grant permission for this.
In GTA V, a character appears that resembles the actress. The developers allegedly based the character on a photo that Lohan released in 2007. Furthermore, Lohan accuses Take Two of using her character from the comedy “Girls Club – Watch Out, It’s Biting!” and referencing her time at the Chateau Marmont hotel where she had lived for a time. Lohan thus feels that her personal rights have been violated.
Moreover, the character Lacey Jonas was used for merchandise items like T-shirts and posters, which has caused her financial disadvantages. According to Take Two, this lawsuit has no chance of success. Lohan is pursuing purely publicity goals. Because under New York law, there is no illegal use of likeness if the subject of the dispute is a work of art.
The lawsuit was filed as early as mid-2014 and now has been deemed admissible. The publisher had hoped for a dismissal of the lawsuit. Now, however, a U.S. court has declared it admissible. If there is no out-of-court settlement, the two parties will likely meet in court soon.
