Jerry Heller, former manager of N.W.A, has filed a lawsuit against the makers of Straight Outta Compton over his depiction in the film. TMZ reports that Heller, who is played by Paul Giamatti in the film, has sued Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, the Eazy-E estate, and Universal for defamation, arguing that they negatively portrayed him as “a sleazy manager who took advantage” of N.W.A. In the suit, Heller claims he never gave permission for the filmmakers to use his likeness, he was not compensated for the film, and that some scenes from the film were lifted from his 2007 memoir. He also says there are several inaccuracies in the film, including scenes that show him withholding a $75,000 check from Ice Cube, being fired by Eazy-E, and eating lobster during contract negotiations. Heller’s asking to receive all of the film’s box-office profits (close to $200 million), in addition to $110 million in damages.
