Singer sues Rockstar for $250 million

[Infinite Zero]

Six years later and the game's still creating controversy
Rockstar just can't seem to catch a break (aside from fame and millions of dollars). Cypress Hill backup singer Michael “Shagg” Washington is suing the developer over what he says is the inclusion of his image in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

In the suit, Washington alleges that his likeness was the basis for the character of CJ. Furthermore, he claims that he met with Rockstar employees in 2003, where he discussed street life, and the possibility of him appearing in the game. The suit specifies that Washington mentioned that certain gang members would use bicycles to travel around.
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Washington is asking for $250 million as compensation. As evidence, the suit uses the following photos to prove that Washington's image was used for the game:

Sure, there's a resemblance, but there may be a fatal flaw in the plaintiff's argument: CJ's appearance in San Andreas was customizable.

LOLYEAHTHAT'SRIGHT.

All three of those characters above are CJ. From haircut to body composition and size, it was up to the player to determine how CJ looked. Other evidence to be used in the suit seems shaky as well, if not completely irrelevant, such as the inclusion of a Cypress Hill song on the game's soundtrack.

Even more surprising is that Washington had apparently never seen GTA: San Andreas. He met with the developers and never had a look at the game in all this time? Not even one screenshot?
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Via

Source
That singer is pretty weird. This game has been out AGES ago and he just planned to sue Rockstar now? Sounds fishy huh?

 

[ShadowSoldier]

I hope he loses.

Also, when I read the title, I was thinking of Rockstar energy drinks o.0

That singer is pretty weird. This game has been out AGES ago and he just planned to sue Rockstar now? Sounds fishy huh?

He says he's never heard of the game until recently -_- I call bullshit on that one.

 

[Satangel]

You can always try, that's probably what he's thinking now.
Just pure rubbish in my eyes though, but you never know he succeeds.

 

[dinofan01]

Love Cypress Hill but even I cant help but laugh at this case. It should be thrown out quickly and be a waste of time for both parties.

 

[Maz7006]

i can think of much easier ways to come up with money than this.

 

[dinofan01]

i can think of much easier ways to come up with money than this.

Heres a way.

 

[FireGrey]

Wow WTF $250,000,000 just cause a character looks like him!

 

[Sterling]

I remember the most ridiculous case a few years back when a McDonalds customer won a few million (or some outrageous amount) because she spilt coffee on herself. This falls under that category.

Is that picture on the right, even the default skin? If it is, he may win it, if not I'll be pissed if he still does.

 

[FAST6191]

A game about US (much less California) gangsters in the 90s and there would not be a cypress hill track?

I believe GTA itself (albeit 3- read the manual) will provide the next line
"sue anyone for anything and probably win*
*or at least get a settlement"

 

[GundamXXX]

Well with a nickname like Shagg you have FAIL written all over you,

Hes a retard -_-

 

[mameks]

He's using it for publicity.

 

[RiderLeangle]

In the suit, Washington alleges that his likeness was the basis for the character of CJ. Furthermore, he claims that he met with Rockstar employees in 2003, where he discussed street life, and the possibility of him appearing in the game. The suit specifies that Washington mentioned that certain gang members would use bicycles to travel around.

Throws out his case completely doesn't it? because they told him it was going to happen... You would think he'd be happy he got to pretty much be the main character of any game wouldn't he?...

 

[Juanmatron]

The singer is just a genius. He find a way to win money with a case since 6 years. Oh wait...

i can think of much easier ways to come up with money than this.

Heres a way.

GENIUS!

 

[Jamstruth]

In the suit, Washington alleges that his likeness was the basis for the character of CJ. Furthermore, he claims that he met with Rockstar employees in 2003, where he discussed street life, and the possibility of him appearing in the game. The suit specifies that Washington mentioned that certain gang members would use bicycles to travel around.

Throws out his case completely doesn't it? because they told him it was going to happen... You would think he'd be happy he got to pretty much be the main character of any game wouldn't he?...

No. If he was to appear in the game they would have paid him for using his image. As it stands they only discussed the possibility while researching the game: no agreement was met. So if they used his image anyway without paying then Rockstar would be breaking the law.
Of course it doesn't look to me like they did. To me it just looks like they went for the "generic black guy in the ghetto" look, just like Mr. Washington's style. Can't trademark a style so no dice.

 

[Kwartel]

He's using it for publicity.

So he'll get bashed by gamers?

 

[geminisama]

Yep, it's HIM alright. >___>

Haha, oh wow. I could see it if he had some crazy unique style, something that would have been one hell of a coincidence; but it's just a black dude in a tank top. That's not unique, and quite common, coming from someone who once lived in a "hood." But knowing how fucktarded our legal system is, watch him win.

 

[GameWinner]

Wow SA been out for years now, I hope he loses.
C.J FOOL!

 

[emigre]

This just makes me want to listen to some Cyprus Hill.

 

[Pliskron]

I guess it pays to look like a nondescript black thug.

 

[mameks]

He's using it for publicity.

So he'll get bashed by gamers?

You've now heard of him, haven't you? :3
You back properly?