Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.

Former Mob Wives Star Sues Take-Two for $40 Million

Is someone else just looking to profit from GTAV's success, or is this a legitimate beef?
This article is over 10 years old and may contain outdated information

It’s inevitable. Whenever a new Grand Theft Auto launches, lawsuits soon follow.

Recommended Videos

This one’s a pretty big deal, though. According to a report in the New York Daily News, former Mob Wives star Karen Gravano (daughter of Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano) is suing publisher Take-Two Interactive for using her likeness and life story without permission in Grand Theft Auto V.

Gravano seeks $20 million in compensation and another $20 million in punitive damages. Here’s a brief passage from the filed documents:

“Notwithstanding the fact that plaintiff has the utmost respect for the writers and creators of the Grand Theft Auto V video game…her story is unique and is hers to tell.”

Gravano claims that one of the game’s characters, Antonia Bottino, is clearly based on her. In the game, Antonia’s father is a former Gambetti family mob boss named Sammy (Sonny) Bottino, who ends up becoming an informant just like Gravano’s father in real life. Furthermore, Antonia wants to star in a fictional show called Wise Bitches, which is an obvious parody of Mob Wives.

Gravano says all of this could’ve been avoided had Take-Two simply asked her permission. At the same time, one must always consider the question: “Would she care if GTAV didn’t make the many millions it did?” I mean, if you’re actually offended, money should be irrelevant…right?

Yeah, well, maybe not. That’s the way things go, though.


GameSkinny is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Fathoms_4209
Fathoms_4209
A gaming journalism veteran of 14 years, a confirmed gamer for over 30 years, and a lover of fine literature and ridiculously sweet desserts.