(2015) Tags: Universal
Gerald E. Heller v. NBCUniversal, Inc.
Carter v. NBC UNIVERSAL, LLC
The case arises from a theatrical motion picture entitled “Straight Outta Compton”. The Film portrays the rise of the musical group “N.W.A.” The group’s story includes N.W.A.’s former manager, Plaintiff Gerald Heller, who is depicted in the Film. Unhappy with how he is portrayed in the Film, Plaintiff sues for defamation and 10 related claims.
Judgment: Plaintiff’s case is Dismissed.
Carter v. NBC UNIVERSAL, LLC
Marion “Suge” Knight killed Terry Carter, the late husband and father of plaintiffs Lillian Carter, Nekaya Carter, and Crystal Carter. Knight fatally hit Carter while driving a truck after arguing with Cle “Bone” Sloan, who worked for the producers of the film Straight Outta Compton. Plaintiffs sued individuals and entities involved in the film’s production, including defendants Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson, NBC Universal LLC, and Pretty Bird Pictures, Inc. for wrongful death/negligence and negligently hiring Sloan.
The complaint alleged defendants knew or should have known of longstanding tensions between Young and Knight, Knight’s objections “to his violent depiction in the movie,” and Knight’s concerns that he would not share in the film’s profits. Defendants were also aware, according to the complaint, of Knight’s propensity for violence, which had in the past prompted Young to obtain a restraining order against Knight. Indeed, Young “made it known on several occasions to each of [the other defendants] that he did not want [Knight] near any movie set connected with the filming.”