'Wolf of Wall Street' Hit With $25M Lawsuit
Andrew Greene, who says he inspired the character of Nicky "Rugrat" Koskoff in "The Wolf of Wall Street," has filed a $25 million defamation lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, Red Granite Pictures and other producers of the Oscar-nominated film.
In court documents filed in New York federal court Tuesday, Greene alleges that the Martin Scorsese film about notorious broker Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, defames his reputation.
"The motion picture contains various scenes wherein Mr. Greene's character is portrayed as a criminal, drug user, degenerate, depraved, and/or devoid of any morality or ethics," reads the lawsuit, obtained by ABC News.
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Greene said he was the head of corporate finance and a board member for the firm depicted in the film, Stratton Oakmont, between 1993 and 1996, and was referenced in Belfort's memoir - which served as the basis for the movie - by his real name. But he never gave the studio consent to depict him in the film.
Actor P.J. Byrne plays "Rugrat," with a ridiculously bad toupee, on the big screen.
Greene alleges that the film's portrayal of him as a "criminal and drug user with misogynistic tendencies" is damaging to his personal and professional reputation as an attorney and investment banker/venture capitalist.
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"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," the lawsuit reads.
He's asking for $25 million and a court injunction to turn over all copies of the movie, as well as all advertising that includes his likeness.
A representative for Paramount Pictures declined comment and a representative for Red Granite Pictures did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.
"The Wolf of Wall Street," which also stars Jonah Hill and Margot Robbie, has received five Oscar nominations, including best picture, best director, best actor for DiCaprio, best supporting actor for Hill and best adapted screenplay.