Jennifer Lopez's company sued by 'Hustlers' inspiration Samantha Barbash for using her story without consent
Samantha Barbash has followed through on her September threat to sue Jennifer Lopez's production company for Lopez's portrayal of her on 'Hustlers.' She is now suing the production company for $40 million.
Jennifer Lopez played Ramona on 'Hustlers', a character inspired by real-life swindler Samantha Barbash. Barbash had turned down producers of the film when they asked her if they can take her likeness and story for the movie.
However, the producers went ahead without her consent anyway. 'Hustlers' is based on the book 'The Hustlers at Scores' by Jessica Pressler, a book in which Samantha Barbash is a source.
Barbash was part of a swindling scheme that involved her and other women, dressed in skimpy clothing, flirting with Wall Street brokers and rich men and inviting them up to hotel rooms for a private party.
The women would then drug the men, steal their credit cards and forge their signatures on lavish expenditures. They would also visit clubs and tip generously with the understanding that a part of those tips would be given back to them.
Barbash was placed on probation for five years after pleading guilty to conspiracy, assault and grand larceny for her role in the 2016 conspiracy that 'Hustlers' was based on. Barbash started working in strip clubs at 19, taking on the name "Samantha Foxx" professionally.
She later graduated from stripper to hostess at Scores Gentlemen's Club in Chelsea, New York and Hustlers Club in Manhattan. After her conviction, she opened up a spa that offered various cosmetic procedures.
According to the New York Post, she had tried to stop the movie from being made, claiming the movie never secured her life rights, and that the movie was misrepresenting her.
"They should have worked with me instead of against me," she said.
Barbash is not suing Jennifer Lopez herself, but rather her production company, as well as the studio that made 'Hustlers'. The defendants listed include STX Films — who produced 'Hustlers' — Lopez’s production company Nuyorican Productions, Gloria Sanchez Productions, and Pole Sisters LLC.
Bruno V Gioffre Jr, a lawyer for Barbash, told Rolling Stone, "My client is offended that the defendants used her likeness to make over $150 million, defamed her character and tried to trick her into selling her rights to the production company for a mere $6000.00."
Barbash is also seeking a permanent injunction that would prevent STX from reproducing or distributing 'Hustlers'.