Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
"The Wolf of Wall Street" Filmmakers Sued for Defamation
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: March 14, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
“The Wolf of Wall Street” Defamation suit
The creators of “The Wolf of Wall Street” are currently dealing with the disappointment of being shut out at the Academy Awards, but it appears as though they may have some bigger problems on their hands.
When movies are based on a true story, characters will closely mirror people who actually lived the experiences depicted on the big screen. In some cases, people are painted in a good light – but that isn’t always the case.
The Plaintiff
Attorney and investment banker, Andrew Greene, said the character in “The Wolf of Wall Street” – Nicky “Rugrat” Koskoff – was modeled after him and he isn’t happy about how he was represented. In fact, it is being reported that Greene recently filed a $25 million defamation lawsuit against the movies creators and Paramount Pictures. Greene was unhappy with the fact that his character is depicted doing drugs, among other questionable activities, and wants to be reimbursed for this damage to his personal image.
Unfortunately for Greene, proving defamation isn’t exactly easy in a court of law. First, it must be shown that the defaming act was published. This shouldn’t be a problem, as long as Greene is able to show strong evidence that Nicky Koskoff was based off his life. However, the next steps are where it can get tricky. Greene has to show that the depiction of him was without a doubt not true.
If he is able to get past that step, Greene must then show his depiction in the movie was made with the intent of causing some form of harm, and that damages actually occurred. It is very unlikely that director Martin Scorsese depicted Green with the intent of causing harm, so there is very little chance that he will be successful with his lawsuit.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Why Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Insurance Coverage Review
Most New Jersey business owners purchase insurance policies, file them away, and assume they are protected if a claim arises. Without a regular insurance coverage review, many companies discover gaps only after a lawsuit, cyberattack, property loss, or other significant event occurs. An annual insurance coverage review can help businesses identify potential risks, ensure their […]
Author: George McGowan
Demand Letters & Cease and Desist Letters: When to Send One (and When Not To)
Businesses and individuals often encounter situations where another party breaches a contract, fails to pay a debt, or continues harmful conduct. In many such disputes, a precisely drafted demand letter or cease-and-desist letter serves as a powerful legal tool. It can frequently resolve the dispute and avoid litigation. While demand or cease-and-desist letters can resolve […]
Author: George McGowan
How to Effectively Use Contracts to Manage Risk
Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]
Author: George McGowan
Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession?
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Author: George McGowan
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.