Cypress Hill backup singer "Shagg" loses $250 million law suit

Model and Cypress Hill backup singer Michael "Shagg" Washington was leaning on that fact when he sued Rockstar Games for $250 million in 2010, alleging San Andreas protagonist CJ drew heavily from his life's story and physical appearance without compensation.

The Hollywood Reporter says a California appeals court Wednesday backed up a prior decision that Washington couldn't prove CJ's creation was not covered by publisher Take-Two's transformative use defense. That is, the argument that the First Amendment permits existing materials to be used free and clear if they are altered enough for a new purpose.

Washington was not without ammunition in the case--Rockstar developers did in fact interview him about his history as former gang member in 2003, and he even appeared in San Andreas' credits as talent. But the appeals court wasn't having it, according to its unpublished written decision.


Source GamesRadar