Lindsay Lohan is suing the makers of “Grand Theft Auto V” for allegedly basing a ditzy blond character on her image.

In Lohan’s suit against Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (which owns Rockstar Games), she claims the character in question – a digital buxom blonde named Lacey Jonas – was a video game simulacrum of the “Mean Girls” actress’ likeness, outfits, and hairstyle, the New York Daily News reports.

Does LiLo actually have a case against the makers of “GTA V”?

Likeness Rights and Publicity

This isn’t the first time that someone has sued for having his or her image allegedly swiped for a video game. College athletes were having their digital lookalikes ported into EA Sports’ various NCAA games for years before they were eventually compensated.

“Grand Theft Auto” has made a name for itself by creating fairly expansive worlds for its protagonists to run around and commit crimes in, including a whole panoply of in-game radio stations, ad campaigns, and life-like cityscapes. Inspiration for these elements are often clearly drawn from real life entities – “GTA: San Andreas” has a world modeled after the real-life states of California and Nevada.

The question for Lohan’s lawsuit is whether the character Lacey Jonas is more than just inspired from real-life people like the “Parent Trap” star. Likeness rights, also called rights of publicity, prevent a person’s name, likeness, and persona from being used without his or her permission. If LiLo can prove that Take-Two essentially used her image and celebrity in order to promote their game via Lacey Jonas, she might just have a case.

Does Lindsay Look Like Lacey?

“GTA V’s” cover art features an illustrated version of Lacey Jones in a red bikini taking a selfie with her fingers in the “deuces” sign. Lohan claims that images like these were drawn directly from similar pictures she had taken in a swimsuit.

Other celebrities have tried similar legal arguments: “Wheel of Fortune’s” Vanna White once fought a legal battle against Samsung over a robot with a wig and a dress turning the “Wheel of Fortune” letters. Lacey Jones certainly looks more like Lindsay Lohan than a robot in a wig, but for our money … she kinda looks more like Scarlett Johansson.

Follow FindLaw for Consumers on Facebook and Twitter (@FindLawConsumer).

Related Resources:

  • Lindsay Lohan sues ‘Grand Theft Auto’ video game (Contra Costa Times)
  • Lindsay Lohan’s Alleged Lies to Police May Violate Probation (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
  • Did Lindsay Lohan Really Fire Her Lawyer, Shawn Holley? (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
  • Lindsay Lohan’s Pitbull Lawsuit Blunder May Bite Her in Court (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Civil Rights

Block on Trump’s Asylum Ban Upheld by Supreme Court

Criminal

Judges Can Release Secret Grand Jury Records

Politicians Can’t Block Voters on Facebook, Court Rules