Karen Gravano, star of Mob Wives, is suing the makers of Grand Theft Auto V for using her likeness without permission. Gravano claims that one of the female characters in the game named Antonia Bottino not only looks similar to Gravano but also shares a similar past.
In the game, Bottino is saved by the main character from being buried alive. The character explains how her father was pinned for a murder he didn’t commit and how her family had to move around between safe houses to hide.
Gravano says she isn’t the only member of her family who is portrayed in the video game. Bottino’s father, Sammy (Sonny) Bottino shares a similar story as Gravano’s father, Sammy (The Bull Gravano.) Sammy Bottino turns into a snitch at one point in the game.
Another part of the game that Gravano says mimics her life is the game’s television show Wise Bitches, which Gravano claims is similar to the show Mob Wives. In the game, Antonia Bottino is forbidden to go on the show by her father.
Gravano isn’t upset that her likeness and story are being used in the game. She is just upset that she isn’t being paid for it. Gravano released a statement about the lawsuit saying,
“Gravano has the utmost respect for the writers and creators of the ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ video game, but her story is unique and is hers to tell, not that of the writer in the video game. This is impermissible and is a direct misappropriation and destruction of [Gravano’s] name, likeness, personal life story and image.”
“This has damaged plaintiff because the plaintiff is releasing a second book containing the parts of the not-so-known aspects of the story used by ‘Grand Theft Auto V.’
“The time line for which this information was released is against [Gravano’s] wishes,” she continued in her lawsuit.
Gravano has shared her story numerous times on Mob Wives and in a book titled, “Mob Daughter: The Mafia, Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano, and Me!” If it is going to be shared again through the ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ video game, she is determined to profit from it.
Do you think Gravano has a right to file the lawsuit against the game makers or is she just looking for attention and money?
Image via YouTube