Jerry Heller managed the N.W.A as they rocketed down the path to fame and legend- so of course he was portrayed in the recent biopic of the group.
‘Straight Outta Compton’ has become a commercial and critical success since, but not everyone is happy. Heller says the movie portrayed him a terrible light, his likeness was used without his permission; and is suing for at least $110m.
Heller, 75, is suing Dr Dre, Ice Cube, NBC Universal- and others…
Jerry Heller is suing everyone connected with “Straight Outta Compton,” alleging the movie defamed him … and he wants $110 MILLION minimum.
Heller has just filed suit against Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, the Estate of Eazy-E, NBC Universal and others, claiming the portrayal of him in the movie was false and damaging.
Heller says he was portrayed as “the bad guy” and “a sleazy manager who took advantage of Eazy-E, Dr. Dre and Ice Cube.” And he says there are other lies in the movie, including:
— He withheld a $75k check from Ice Cube
— He fraudulently induced Dre and Cube to sign unfavorable contracts
— He enjoyed lobster brunches while the contracts were being signed
— He was fired by Eazy-E
He claims he never gave permission to use his likeness and he wants profits from the movie as well because NBC sold tickets off his back. He also claims producers used his book without permission for pivotal scenes, including the one where Suge Knight strong-armed Eazy-E into signing away his rights to Death Row.
And this is funny … he says producers didn’t even bother to give his character a fake name, like “Gary Beller.”
You’ll recall Heller sat in the front row with his lawyers when the movie premiered.
He’s suing for $35 million in compensatory damages and at least $75 mil in punitives … plus all profits from the flick