Since the GTA 6 trailer was released to great fanfare, it has been talked about again and again, sometimes in completely unexpected ways. That’s the least we can say.
GTA 6 is, despite itself, already at the center of a controversy. In fact, some already seem to be sensing an opportunity to make money at Rockstar’s expense, especially given the massive media coverage surrounding the game. What can we learn from it?
A strange affair for GTA 6
The Florida Joker, a character who apparently inspired a figure in the GTA 6 reveal trailer, is demanding $2 million from Rockstar Games over alleged use of his image. In fact, in a video posted to social media, this “IRL” joker reiterated his claims from a previous video. He compared the character to a photo of himself and emphasized that it was obvious that the character was based on him. “We need to talk about GTA or you’ll have to give me a million or two. You took my image, you took my life. ” he said in the video, speaking directly to GTA and Rockstar Games.
However, the chances of him receiving financial compensation from Rockstar seem very slim. Rockstar could easily argue that the game’s character is a parody. Especially since it’s not the first time. There is also the precedent that actress Lindsay Lohan tried to sue Rockstar, claiming that the image of a girl in GTA 5 was based on her. This case was ultimately dismissed, with Judge Eugene Fahey stating: “[les] The artwork is a satirical and obscure depiction of the style, appearance and personality of a modern young woman who frequents the beach… and that she is not identifiable as a complainant.”
“This is theft and plagiarism“
So far, Rockstar has not officially commented on Florida Joker’s requests and it is unlikely that the team will do so. This case raises questions about the limits of the use of images and likenesses in works of fiction, particularly in a context where the characters may be interpreted as parodies or satirical caricatures.
Florida’s Joker aka Sullivan, a former tattooed model who went viral in 2017 thanks to his mugshot revealing his resemblance to the Joker, clearly seems dependent on the success of GTA 6. Today, Sullivan’s claims are clear. “Everyone says I’m hallucinating,Sullivan said in a new TikTok posted yesterday.”You’re completely crazy. It’s me. It’s me.“
