Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: March 14, 2014
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comThe creators of “The Wolf of Wall Street” are currently dealing with the disappointment of being shut out at the Academy Awards, but it appears as though they may have some bigger problems on their hands.
When movies are based on a true story, characters will closely mirror people who actually lived the experiences depicted on the big screen. In some cases, people are painted in a good light – but that isn’t always the case.
Attorney and investment banker, Andrew Greene, said the character in “The Wolf of Wall Street” – Nicky “Rugrat” Koskoff – was modeled after him and he isn’t happy about how he was represented. In fact, it is being reported that Greene recently filed a $25 million defamation lawsuit against the movies creators and Paramount Pictures. Greene was unhappy with the fact that his character is depicted doing drugs, among other questionable activities, and wants to be reimbursed for this damage to his personal image.
Unfortunately for Greene, proving defamation isn’t exactly easy in a court of law. First, it must be shown that the defaming act was published. This shouldn’t be a problem, as long as Greene is able to show strong evidence that Nicky Koskoff was based off his life. However, the next steps are where it can get tricky. Greene has to show that the depiction of him was without a doubt not true.
If he is able to get past that step, Greene must then show his depiction in the movie was made with the intent of causing some form of harm, and that damages actually occurred. It is very unlikely that director Martin Scorsese depicted Green with the intent of causing harm, so there is very little chance that he will be successful with his lawsuit.
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!