Lawrence Sullivan, famously known as the ‘Florida Joker’ due to his striking resemblance to Jared Leto’s Joker character, is embroiled in a legal tussle with Rockstar Games. Sullivan claims that a character in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI bears an uncanny resemblance to him, specifically citing similarities in facial tattoos and overall appearance. He asserts that this character is modeled after his well-known mugshot from a 2017 arrest.
A Viral Claim and Rockstar’s Position
The controversy gained traction when Sullivan posted a TikTok video, pointing out the similarities between his image and the game character. This claim has sparked discussions about the rights of individuals regarding their likeness in video games. In response, Roger Clark, a voice actor from Red Dead Redemption 2, advised Sullivan to leverage this newfound attention rather than pursue legal action, hinting at Rockstar’s robust legal defenses.
Expanding Controversy
Sullivan’s claim has encouraged another social media user to come forward with similar allegations against Rockstar Games, citing the use of his likeness in GTA 6. This growing controversy highlights the complex relationship between public personas and their representation in popular media.