Jerry Heller alleges the portrayal of him in the movie was false and damaging to his reputation.
- Oct 31, 2015
AceShowbiz - Former N.W.A manager Jerry Heller is suing everyone connected to "Straight Outta Compton" including Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, the Estate of Eazy-E and NBC Universal for defamation over his portrayal in the movie. Jerry claims the portrayal of him was false and damaging to his reputation.
In the lawsuit obtained by TMZ, Jerry is seeking $35 million in compensatory damages and $75 mil in punitives, plus all profits from the film. He says he was portrayed as "the bad guy" and "a sleazy manager who took advantage of Eazy-E, Dr. Dre and Ice Cube."
Other lies in the movie, according to Jerry, include that he withheld a $75k check from Ice Cube, fraudulently induced Dre and Cube to sign unfavorable contracts, enjoyed lobster brunches while the contracts were being signed and he was fired by Eazy-E.
Jerry says he never gave permission to use his name and likeness in the movie. He claims NBC sold tickets off his back and producers used his book without permission for pivotal scenes, including the one where Suge Knight strong-armed Eazy-E into signing away his rights to Death Row.
Representatives for Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and NBC Universal haven't commented on the issue yet.
