Andrew Greene who claims he was defamed by his depiction in “The Wolf of Wall Street, ” can proceed with his lawsuit against the makers of the film, a federal judge has ruled, according to a first report by NY Daily News.
Greene is seeking damages in excess of $50 million, for his close likeness to the movie negative character Nicky “Rugrat” Koskoff.
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The character in “The Wolf Of Wall Street”, knows as a toupee-wearing, drug and hooker-using party animal who took part in illegal business activities.
But Andrew Greene — the real head of corporate finance at Stratton Oakmont on which the “Rugrat” character is based — is arguing in his lawsuit that his on-screen portrayal is now damaging his professional reputation as an investment banker, according to court papers.
Greene, played by actor P.J. Byrne in the film, is suing director Martin Scorsese’s production company and Paramount.
Greene argues that the filmmakers never got his permission to use his name, likeness or identity. While the character is nicknamed “Rugrat” in the blockbuster, Greene was called “Wigman” by his real-life coworkers, According to Business Insider report.
“In multiple scenes in the movie, ‘Rugrat’s’ use of a toupee is accentuated and mocked in an egregiously offensive manner, ” the complaint reads. “The motion picture introduces ‘Rugrat’ by referencing his ‘piece of shit hairpiece.’ In another scene, investigators ask whether his hair is real. Characters are also seen attempting to grab the toupee in a scene.”
The suit continues, “Mr. Greene will be permanently linked to the crimes and loathsome behavior portrayed by his likeness in the motion picture, despite never having been interviewed, questioned, charged, imprisoned, or even arrested for the illicit and despicable behavior shown in the motion picture.”
“Not only does he want $50 million in damages from Paramount and Scorsese’s production company, ” adds TMZ, “he also wants them to hand over all copies of the film … and yank it out of theaters. Good luck with that.”
