Two police officers from South Florida have initiated legal action against actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. The lawsuit, filed in Miami federal court, alleges defamation stemming from the duo's film, 'The Rip.'
Sergeants Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office claim the film's depiction of police officers caused harm to their reputations. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
The film features Affleck and Damon as officers who stumble upon millions of dollars linked to a drug case, inspired by a real incident from 2016. Court documents do not specify the amount sought in damages.
Both actors have stated that the narrative is loosely based on accounts from Miami-Dade Police Capt. Chris Casiano, who served as a technical advisor. During promotional activities, Damon emphasized their effort to accurately portray police dynamics.
In their lawsuit, Smith and Santana argue that the film's portrayal suggests they engaged in serious criminal activities, including theft and conspiracy. They assert this has negatively impacted their personal and professional lives.
The film does not claim to portray a true story or real individuals, as noted in its credits.
Leita Walker, Attorney for Artists Equity
Though not named in the movie, the officers contend that their roles in the actual case are implied. They believe this could lead others to mistakenly associate them with the film's criminal elements.
The lawsuit comes as 'The Rip' has gained attention on Netflix, currently boasting a 78% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.