Grand Theft Auto maker says Lindsay Lohan sued to get attention

The maker of the popular Grand Theft Auto video games said Lindsay Lohan's lawsuit accusing it of basing a character on her without permission is frivolous and an effort by the actress to attract attention.

In papers made public on Tuesday in a New York state court in Manhattan, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc called Lohan's claim "so legally meritless that it lacks any good-faith basis and can only have been filed for publicity purposes."

Take-Two wants to dismiss the July 1 lawsuit and have Lohan pay its legal fees.

A lawyer for Lohan did not immediately respond on Wednesday to requests for comment.

The 28-year-old "Mean Girls" star accused Take-Two and its Rockstar Games unit of basing the Lacey Jonas character in "Grand Theft Auto V" on her.

She said Jonas had a similar voice, image and clothing, and was also chased by paparazzi, and that "multiple people" had noticed a resemblance. Lohan's lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

Take-Two countered that Jonas did not look like Lohan, apart from being young and blond.

It also said "expressive works" such as video games are "fully protected" under the US Constitution.

Lohan has starred in a number of hit movies including "The Parent Trap" and "Mean Girls," but has in recent years become known for multiple legal woes and visits to rehab clinics.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lindsay Lohan sues makers of 'Grand Theft Auto V' video game

Actress Lindsay Lohan is suing the makers of the popular "Grand Theft Auto V" video game, saying it used her likeness without permission, according to a lawsuit filed on Wednesday.

Lohan accused New York-based Take-Two Interactive Software Inc and its label Rockstar Games of creating a look-alike character named Lacey Jonas to boost sales, according to the complaint in state Supreme Court in New York.

For months ahead of the game's release, the complaint said, the companies promoted the Lacey Jonas character and a side plot in which players must rescue her from swarms of paparazzi.

Lohan was once one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actresses with starring roles in movies such as 1998's "The Parent Trap" and 2004's "Mean Girls," but of late has become better known for her legal woes that include theft and reckless driving. She has been to rehab six times.

The in-game Jonas shares similarities with the real-life Lohan, including her voice, image and outfits from her clothing line, the complaint said. The game also features the Hotel Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, California, where the actress once lived.

Claiming that the game violates her privacy rights under New York law, Lohan is seeking undetermined damages.

A spokesman for Take Two declined to comment.

The 16-year-old Grand Theft Auto franchise has won numerous awards and become embedded in popular culture over the years.

But the criminal drama and action-adventure series has also stirred controversy over the violent and adult nature of its content.

Grand Theft Auto V was released in September 2013 and exceeded $800 million in global first day sales.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com