In a bold assertion, Lawrence Sullivan, widely known as the “Florida Joker” due to his infamous 2017 mugshot, has accused Rockstar Games of using his distinctive appearance in the latest installment of the Grand Theft Auto series.
Lawrence Sullivan made his claims in a TikTok video, addressing the gaming giant and demanding a substantial compensation of “a mil or two”
The controversy erupted following the release of the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer last Monday, which quickly became a sensation, amassing over 93 million views on YouTube within 24 hours, setting a new record for non-music videos. Commenters on the video game website Kotaku noted resemblances between in-game characters and real-life Florida incidents, including Sullivan’s notorious mugshot.
Lawrence Sullivan, arrested in Miami in 2017 for brandishing a firearm at vehicles, gained internet fame for his “Joker”-esque face tattoos. Referred to as “Florida Joker” or “Miami Joker,” Lawrence Sullivan underwent a transformation after violating probation in 2018, adopting a new persona as a tattoo model.
In his TikTok video, Lawrence Sullivan emphatically declared, “Florida Joker ain’t having that. Y’all took my likeness. Y’all took my life,” insisting that the character in Grand Theft Auto VI drew inspiration directly from him. He underscored that Rockstar Games replicated his appearance without consent.
This isn’t the first time the gaming industry giant has faced such allegations
Notably, actress Lindsay Lohan filed a lawsuit in 2014, claiming a character in a previous installment resembled her in multiple aspects. The lawsuit was dismissed by the New York Supreme Court in 2016, setting a precedent that may complicate Lawrence Sullivan’s potential legal battle.
Lawrence Sullivan, now working as a tattoo model according to The Tampa Bay Times, has yet to respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. Similarly, Rockstar Games has not issued a statement regarding Sullivan’s accusations. With Grand Theft Auto VI scheduled for release in 2025, the dispute over Sullivan’s likeness could unfold as a legal battleground, echoing past controversies in the gaming industry.
READ ALSO: Nora Rodgers Sentenced To 30 Years For Child Abuse: Victims’ Ordeal Exposed In Shocking Case
Leave a Reply