Please support Game Informer. Print magazine subscriptions are less than $2 per issue
Lindsay Lohan Doesn’t Have Precedent On Her Side In GTA V Likeness Suit
Lindsay Lohan has been posturing for months over claims that Take-Two and Rockstar used her likeness without permission in Grand Theft Auto V. Specifically, Lohan has pointed to character Lacey Jonas, claiming that the developer and publisher have capitalized on her celebrity to sell copies of the title.
The character in question is a minor player in the story, as players help Jonas avoid paparazzi. Lohan also claims that the photo of a bikini-clad woman taking a self-photograph commonly associated with the game is modeled after her. In actuality though, it’s model Shelby Welinder (via NowGamer), who was contracted by Rockstar for the purpose.
Another day, another dollar https://t.co/SpjU1jSmCQ
— Shelby (@ShelbyWelinder) May 22, 2013
A similar suit was brought in 2006 against Sega of America by singer Kierin Kirby of Deee-Lite (“Groove is in the Heart”). Kirby alleged that Space Channel 5’s Ulala was designed to emulate her look and style.
The court awarded summary judgment to Sega, offering that the first amendment provides complete defense for misappropriation of likeness in the cases where use is “transformative.” In other words, provided that Rockstar did something new with the character, Lohan doesn’t have precedent on her side. In this case, parody or satire are not required, though would likely provide additional defense.
Grand Theft Auto V sold $800 million worth of copies to customers on its first day and topped $1 billion shortly thereafter. The title will be coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC later this year.
[Source: Associated Press via Joystiq, Image: Oprah Network]
Our Take
Lohan isn’t likely to win this case. Freedom of expression, the fact that the character is absolutely minor, and the added bonus of GTA’s satirical bent all should keep Take-Two and Rockstar safe in the courtroom.
I’d like to ask you to support Game Informer’s continued coverage of games with a subscription. For less than two dollars per issue, we mail you a full year of 10 print magazines, each with cover stories and preview features filled with exclusive details about the most exciting upcoming games. We profile and interview game creators. We look back on the rich history of gaming, and we celebrate what’s next.
Here on the website, we offer much of our content for free, including game reviews, daily news, videos, event coverage, and more – all with minimal ads.
We do so with a small editorial team, alongside contributing paid writers from around the world – over 65 individuals from 9 countries around the world, just in the last couple of years.
It’s not possible without support.
In a time when game makers and games coverage have faced hard struggles and layoffs, the future of this 30+ year magazine and community is at risk. Our new standalone magazine subscription is the number one way you can keep us alive – and we believe you’ll get a pretty fantastic gaming magazine in your mailbox every few weeks for your trouble.
Thank you.
