Versace’s former partner upset by TV miniseries on murder

Gianni Versace’s former partner, Antonio D’Amico, has called out the upcoming FX miniseries about the fashion designer’s murder in Miami Beach 20 years ago.

D’Amico told The Guardian that, based on the production images he has seen, the miniseries doesn’t seem to accurately reflect what happened after Versace was fatally shot on July 15, 1997. The 10-episode FX network series, which has been referred to as “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: An American Crime Story,” is based on the book, “Vulgar Favors,” by Vanity Fair correspondent Maureen Orth and is expected to broadcast in 2018.

D’Amico pointed to his character, played by singer Ricky Martin, embracing Versace’s slain body on the steps of the designer’s Ocean Drive estate.

“The picture of Ricky Martin holding the body in his arms is ridiculous,” D’Amico said. “The house had stained-glass windows so we couldn’t see what had happened from inside, so we had to open the gate. I saw Gianni lying on the steps, with blood around him. At that point, everything went dark. I was pulled away, I didn’t see anymore.”

D’Amico added that “maybe it’s the director’s poetic license, but that is not how I reacted,” according to the publication.

He said producers haven’t reached out to him for a consultation.

In May, the production shot scenes in Miami Beach including in Versace’s former home, renamed The Villa Casa Casuarina. In addition to Martin, the series stars Edgar Ramirez as Versace; Darren Criss as serial killer Andrew Cunanan and Penelope Cruz as Versace’s sister, Donatella.