Jennifer Lopez is garnering some serious Oscar buzz for her performance as Ramona in the STX heist film Hustlers. However, the real-life inspiration behind Ramona has issues with the film.

Samantha Barbash, the real-life inspiration behind Lopez’s character in Hustlers, is reportedly threatening to file a lawsuit against STX under the claim that the producers never gave her compensation for her life story.

However, STX is claiming that it had rights to make the movie without Barbash’s permission.

“We will defend our right to tell factually based stories based on the public record and look forward to resolving this matter before a judge,” a spokesperson for STX said in a statement.

According to Variety, Bruno Gioffre, Barbash’s attorney, sent a letter to STX on Monday protesting the “flagrant violation of her rights.” In addition, Gioffre threatened to sue the movie studio if a deal isn’t worked out in 10 days.

Recently, in an interview with Vanity Fair, Barbash expressed dissatisfaction with the film but praised Lopez’s performance.

“I wasn’t really that impressed,” she said. “I was impressed with Jennifer. She was incredible. Her body looked incredible. She had it down to a T, but it wasn’t factual.”

Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, Hustlers was based off Jessica Pressler’s 2015 New York Magazine article “The Hustlers at Scores”, in which it was revealed that Barbash led a ring of strippers who drugged their clients and stole their credit cards for financial gain. Aside from Lopez, Hustlers also stars Keke Palmer, Constance Wu, Julia Stiles, Lili Reinhart, Cardi B and Lizzo.

 

READ MORE:

Here’s What The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Jennifer Lopez’s ‘Hustlers’ Character Says About The Film

‘Hustlers’ Breaks Multiple Box Office Records, Including Biggest Opening Weekend For STX, J. Lo And WoC-Led Films

‘Hustlers’: Women Upend The System In A Scrappy, Unique Crime Thriller Involving Strippers, Drugs And Drama [TIFF Review]

 

Photo: STX

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