Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comThe Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comPerri “Pebbles” Reid, the founder and former manager of all-girl R&B group TLC, filed a $40 million defamation lawsuit against Viacom on grounds that the recent VH1 film “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” constituted defamation. However, Viacom argued that then film falls under the docudrama category and, as a result, does not constitute defamation.
The back-and-forth begs the question, where is the line drawn between docudrama and defamation?
Viacom issued a memo which sought to explain that the docudrama genre of film does not constitute defamation, and that, due to the fact that “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” falls within that category, it is not defamatory, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The company also presented numerous pieces of evidence – including letters, news articles, raw film and publishing contracts – which prove that the movie does not cast Reid in a false light.
Reid stated that she is upset over numerous aspects of her character in the film, such as scenes when the manager forces members of TLC to sign a contract and pays group members only $25 per week. She says that these scenes are false, and as a result defamatory.
However, the Viacom memo named films such as “Selma,” “The Social Network,” “Ray,” “Walk the Line,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It?,” as similar films within the docudrama genre. The document states that “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” is similar to the aforementioned movies in its style and depiction of characters. It goes on to note that since the narrative is told from the perspective of the surviving members of TLC, the scenes depicted are not so much fact as personal accounts of various situations.
The memo goes on to state that just because the film does not depict the members of TLC reading the contract given to them by Reid, that does not mean they didn’t actually do so. Additionally, it goes on to state that the $25 weekly salary was clearly temporary as shown in the film.
Viacom goes on to argue that the court must examine an allegedly defamatory statement in the context in which it was published. In this case, the context is a docudrama, and as a result, the scenes which Reid alleges to be defamatory must be looked at within the context of that drama, as opposed to a documentary or newspaper article, both of which purport to espouse fact.
Docudrama films heighten tension and work to create dramatic scenery out of not always dramatic real-life events. As a result, there is nearly always bound to be at least one individual upset over how he or she is depicted in one of these movies.
If your docudrama is facing a lawsuit, or you are displeased with the way you were portrayed in a film, it is important to look at the instances of alleged defamation within the context of the genre, as well as pore over source material used for the movie.
If you are having trouble determining whether a depiction in a movie may be considered defamation, speak with an entertainment law attorney to learn more.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
Author: Brittany P. Tarabour
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Commercial leases can take a variety of forms, which is often confusing for both landlords and tenants. Understanding the different types, especially the gross lease structure, is important when selecting the lease that best suits your needs. One key distinction between lease types is how rent is calculated and paid. This article addresses the two […]
Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!