Misryoum reports Miami-Dade narcotics officers sue Damon and Affleck’s production firms, alleging defamatory portrayal in Netflix thriller “The Rip.”
A Netflix police thriller has landed Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s production companies in federal court, after Miami-Dade narcotics officers claimed they were portrayed as corrupt.
The lawsuit. filed in Florida federal court and reported by Misryoum. targets Artists Equity. the production company Damon and Affleck founded. along with Falco Pictures. the companies involved in producing “The Rip.” The plaintiffs say the film. marketed as “inspired by true events. ” borrows recognizable details from a high-profile Miami-Dade case and then frames the real-life investigators in a false light.
Misryoum understands the case centers on an alleged connection between fictional characters and two named officers who were involved in a 2016 investigation.. In the complaint. Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana argue viewers who know the underlying story can identify them. and that the film’s promotional material and depiction of the officers caused reputational harm.
A key part of the plaintiffs’ argument is how the movie recreates distinctive elements of the 2016 operation. including the dramatic description of cash concealed in orange buckets.. They allege that specific plot choices in the Netflix thriller depict the officers as criminals and falsely add criminal schemes. corruption. and violence that they say did not occur in the real investigation.
The complaint also describes the emotional toll on the plaintiffs. saying family members. colleagues. and even prosecutors questioned them after watching the film or its trailer.. Misryoum notes that this kind of allegation highlights how entertainment portrayals can spill into everyday professional and personal life. particularly when real names and details are believed to be identifiable.
In seeking relief. Smith and Santana are asking the court for unspecified damages tied to claims including defamation and related theories. as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress.. Netflix, which is not named as a defendant, has not responded immediately to a request for comment, according to Misryoum.
Misryoum further reports that the lawsuit claims the production team was notified about the concerns before and after the film’s release. including an objection to the trailer and promotional materials.. The filing also contends that a consultant connected to the project later reached out to the plaintiffs in a manner that acknowledged their objections.
The broader dispute reflects a recurring tension in American media: when a story is billed as inspired by real events. the line between dramatization and harmful misrepresentation becomes a legal question.. For viewers. the case raises the stakes of “based on true” marketing. where the impact can extend far beyond the screen.