NEWSMAKERS

October 31, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

NEWSMAKERS

Ex-N.W.A. manager sues over ‘Straight Outta Compton’ film

LOS ANGELES

Former N.W.A. manager Jerry Heller filed a multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit Friday over the hit film “Straight Outta Compton,” claiming it portrayed him as a villain who led to the breakup of the gangster rap group.

Heller, who is portrayed in the film by Paul Giamatti, sued former N.W.A. members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, the widow of rapper Eazy-E and NBC Universal, which released the film in August.

“Straight Outta Compton” was a hit, earning nearly $160 million domestically in the first six weeks after its August release.

Representatives for NBC Universal and Ice Cube declined to comment. A publicist for Dr. Dre did not immediately return an email seeking a comment.

Heller is seeking more than $110 million, although a jury would determine any damage verdict.

Associated Press