Florida Man Lawrence Sullivan accuses gaming company Rockstar Games of using his likeness in their latest release of Grand Theft Auto VI. Sullivan gained viral notoriety in 2017 due to a mugshot showcasing his “Joker”-styled face tattoos after he was arrested for pointing a firearm at vehicles. The latest Grand Theft Auto IV trailer sparked controversy as commenters pointed out the characters’ resemblance to viral real-life Florida moments, including some likenesses to Sullivan’s mugshot.
Sullivan has called out Rockstar Games in a TikTok video and demanded compensation for the alleged use of his likeness in the game. He has referred to himself as “Florida Joker” or “Miami Joker” in the past and claims that Rockstar Games used his viral booking photo as inspiration for a character in the game.
In a previous interview, Sullivan spoke about his tattoos and his arrest history, expressing a new identity he has taken on, and his new career as a tattoo model. He claims that the character in Grand Theft Auto VI resembles him and appears to have taken inspiration from his life.
This isn’t the first time Rockstar Games has been accused of using someone’s likeness for a character. Actress Lindsay Lohan previously filed a lawsuit in 2014 against the gaming company over a character she claimed resembled her. The case was dismissed in 2016, indicating that Sullivan might face a difficult legal battle if he chooses to sue.
Rockstar Games has not commented on Sullivan’s claims, and he has not responded to requests for further comment. Grand Theft Auto VI is set for release in 2025.