‘Mob Wives’ Star sues ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ creators for $40 M over image, life likeness in game

RadarOnline pointed to a complaint filed in a New York court on February 24 that "Mob Wives" star and mafia leader's daughter Karen Gravano has gone after the creators of the highly-successful "Grand Theft Auto V."

Gravano came into television viewers' consciousness when she was cast in the VH1 reality series about Staten Island women who had family members incarcerated or convicted fir mob-related crimes. According to Fox News, Karen is the daughter of known mob snitch Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano. The Gravano patriarch was charged in the early 2000s with crimes related to operating an Ecstasy drug ring, according to reports collated by crime blog Crime Library.

Gravano said in the complaint that Take-Two Interactive Software and Rockstar Games had used her image and likeness for one of the game's characters named Antonia Bottino.

Gravano said that the game, touted as the biggest, dynamic and diverse open world ever created for digital games was actually her world. RadarOnline said the reality television series star is seeking $20 million in punitive damages and $20 million in compensation.

Part of the complaint read, "Upon information and belief, prior to and on or about September 17, 2013, Defendant distributed video games bearing the Plaintiff's name, likeness, image and personal life story in New York County (and other places at this time), for advertising and trade purposes."

Referring to the Section 50 of the Civil Rights Law of the State of New York, Gravano's legal team insisted in the complaint that Take-Two Interactive Software and Rockstar Games had not obtained written and oral consent from her or any authorized entity by her.

When RadarOnline asked Thomas Farinella, Gravano's attorney, about the complaint, he refused to comment on the matter. It was not clear however, whether an attempt to contact Take-Two Interactive Software and Rockstar Games has been made by the entertainment news site or if the gaming companies are aware of Gravano's lawsuit.

Tags

Mob Wives, Grand Theft Auto V, Take-Two Interactive Software, Rockstar Games

© 2023 Lawyer Herald All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.