Florida Joker Issues Final Warning to Rockstar Games over GTA 6 Resemblance
While Grand Theft Auto VI may generate excitement among gamers worldwide, not everybody is satisfied. At least until someone comes along looking to make millions just by making unreasonable demands!
Enter Lawrence Sullivan, known by many as the Florida Joker after appearing as his counterpart in USAToday reportage of their 2017 Mugshot which bore striking resemblances of DC comic character The Joker (Larry was arrested and charged for carrying concealed firearm). USAToday claims Lawrence shot to fame as it began parodying him during its GTA VI trailer release. According to USAToday report, Lawrence achieved notoriety because his appearance made headlines and then came into question during GTA VI trailer premiere.
No doubt about it; over the years Grand Theft Auto series has provided plenty of satirical humor by parodying real life situations and personalities in its games, such as Florida Joker in GTA VI trailer.
Lawrence Sullivan apparently missed the humor behind Rockstar Games’ parody which comes under Fair Use law and demanded they “get together to talk”. To his shock and horror, Rockstar Games did not respond; in response Sullivan claimed his likeness was used despite looking like someone trying to impersonate Joker from DC Comics with numerous tattoos from Batman franchise games.
At Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive’s parent company Take-Two Interactive’s apparent increasing desperation to obtain a response, the Florida Joker went further in his effort. Not only had his hair dyed purple in an online TikTok video to more closely resemble what can be found in GTA VI trailer, he was also wearing prison attire (presumably purchased from fancy dress shop) while increasing his demands from one to two million dollars to three.
Lawrence Sullivan has given Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive one final opportunity to discuss matters; in his most recent video message he claimed speaking to lawyers who work from offices situated nearby a park bush. Interestingly enough, Take-Two did not respond.
While I’m sure Sullivan would love a tidy fortune from using his likeness under fair use, I suspect he may simply be trolling and it should be accepted. Rockstar Games should provide no cash payments; after all Lindsey Lohan failed, so too will Florida Joker likely fail. Nonetheless, I expect this demand will not be his last; hopefully at launch time Sullivan will receive at least an official GTA VI press kit and box of Snickers as compensation.
Grand Theft Auto VI will be released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
