Netflix and acclaimed television producer Ryan Murphy are facing a substantial legal challenge from Italian-American performer Luigi Mangione, who alleges they appropriated his life story for the hit series 'Ripley' without consent or compensation.
The lawsuit, filed in California, claims that Murphy's production company and the streaming giant used Mangione's "unique persona, likeness, and life experiences" as the foundation for the character of Luigi Mangione in the psychological thriller starring Andrew Scott.
The Heart of the Controversy
Mangione's legal team asserts that the producers engaged in "systematic theft" of his identity, drawing direct parallels between his real-life experiences as a charismatic Italian-American entertainer and the fictional character bearing his name.
"They took everything that makes Luigi unique - his mannerisms, his background, his essence - and packaged it for their profit without so much as a conversation," stated Mangione's attorney in court documents.
A Pattern of Alleged Infringement
This isn't the first time Ryan Murphy has faced such allegations. The prolific producer has previously been accused of using real people's stories without proper authorization in other high-profile projects.
Legal experts suggest this case could set important precedents for how streaming platforms handle life rights and intellectual property in the competitive content landscape.
What's at Stake
The lawsuit seeks substantial damages, including:
- Compensation for unauthorized use of likeness
- Profits generated from the series
- Punitive damages for alleged bad faith actions
- Legal fees and court costs
Netflix and Murphy's representatives have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, though sources close to the production maintain the character is entirely fictional.
The entertainment industry is watching closely as this case could reshape how life stories are acquired and adapted in the streaming era.
