Cyprus Hill member loses GTA lawsuit

Back-up singer for hip-hop rock group Cyprus Hill has lost an appeal in a lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive.

Michael “Shagg” Washington claimed that his likeness was used in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for the character of CJ, although his appeal doesn’t seem to hold much weight.

Washingston has said that he originally met with Rockstar during the development of GTA: San Andreas, with Rockstar even crediting Washington as a model.

Washington demanded $250 million in damages, but a lower court judge didn’t think there is enough evidence to follow through with the claim.

“Plaintiff is relying entirely on CJ’s physical appearance in the game, but that appearance is so generic that it necessarily includes hundreds of other black males,” the judge said at the time.

“Washington has presented no evidence demonstrating that the plot or characters of GTA: San Andreas have any relevance to his life or his purported fame,” the judge added.

Last week (2 November 2012), GTA V’s locations and details were revealed through some pre-order specials that were sent out to early buyers.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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