Jerry Heller, former manager of legendary rap group N.W.A., has filed a $110 million defamation lawsuit against the filmmakers behind 'Straight Outta Compton' over his depiction in the biopic.
Defendants in the suit include former N.W.A. members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, director F. Gary Gray, the film's producers, NBC Universal, as well as the estate of late N.W.A. member Eazy-E.
The film was one of the summer's biggest hits, bagging $199.6 million worldwide and earning numerous critical plaudits in the process. It holds the distinction of being the highest grossing musical biopic of all-time.
Heller is asking for $35 million in monetary damages, $75 million in punitive damages, plus all box office profits says Rolling Stone.
Michael R. Shapiro, Mr. Heller's lawyer, told Variety that actor Paul Giamatti's portrayal of his client was damaging to his reputation.
"Untrue statements in the movie made Heller look like a dishonest, sleazy guy; that he was in effect responsible for the group breaking up," said Shapiro.
TMZ mentions other inaccuracies depicted in the film such as:
- He withheld a $75k check from Ice Cube
- He fraudulently induced Dre and Cube to sign unfavorable contracts
- He enjoyed lobster brunches while the contracts were being signed
- He was fired by Eazy-E
Heller also claims that the Compton filmmakers lifted certain plot points from his book Ruthless: A Memoir without his consent. He cites a pivotal scene where Eazy-E is forced to sign over his rights to Death Row records' Suge Knight as one such example.
The 74 year old Heller was been planning legal action for a while now. Back in August he told TMZ:
"Until I see the film, I'm not going to comment on it. I'll be there Thursday night in the first row with at least two of my lawyers, and we'll see if I like it or not."
