Names and faces
Former N.W.A. manager Jerry Heller filed a defamation lawsuit Friday over the hit film Straight Outta Compton, claiming it portrayed him as a villain responsible for the breakup of the gangster rap group. Heller, who is portrayed in the film by Paul Giamatti, sued former N.W.A. members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, the widow of rapper Eazy-E, and NBC Universal, which released the film in August. Straight Outta Compton earned nearly $160 million domestically in the first six weeks after it was released in August. The film uses elements of a script that Heller commissioned, and violates his copyright in a memoir that included his description of key moments depicted in the film, the lawsuit states. “The film is littered with false statements that harm the reputation of (Heller) and aim to ridicule and lower him in the opinion of the community and to deter third persons from associating or dealing with him,” the lawsuit states. Representatives for NBC Universal and Ice Cube declined comment. A publicist for Dr. Dre did not immediately return an email seeking comment. Heller is suing Tomica Woods-Wright because he claims the film, which she helped produce, violates nondisparagement clauses in a settlement reached in 1999.
Authorities say one of Lindsay Lohan’s brothers used a forged parking permit to avoid paying a New York City parking meter. State police say Michael Lohan was arrested Thursday in Manhattan. Authorities allege he had a phony parking placard featuring the state seal displayed on the dashboard of his 2015 Audi. They say the bogus placard said the car was being used for official state business. Michael Lohan has been charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument and criminal impersonation. Prosecutors say he was released without bail after his arraignment Thursday.