Ava DuVernay and Netflix sued by Central Park 5 prosecutor

Ava DuVernay (Photo credit: Bang Media)

Linda Fairstein, the New York City lawyer who prosecuted five innocent men now known as the Exonerated 5 (formerly the Central Park 5), is suing Netflix and director Ava DuVernay because she believes she was portrayed in a “false and defamatory manner,” according to TMZ.

The news outlet also states that Fairstein warned DuVernay prior to the release of the widely acclaimed series “When They See Us” that she would sue if the series did not meet with her approval. DuVernay’s response, in short, was that the former prosecutor had no reason to object, as the series had not been released at the time.

Fairstein wants a public apology, scenes removed and damages.

The lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday, March 18, alleges:

“In the film series, which Defendants have marketed and promoted as a true story, Defendants depict Ms. Fairstein — using her true name — as a racist, unethical villain who is determined to jail innocent children of color at any cost.

Read more of the lawsuit claims and Netlix’s response after the jump.

N. Ali Early

Copy Editor

I like to describe myself as a pen pro. I believe everything begins with the pen. To no fault of its own, this generation has turned in its pen for a keyboard, but the concept remains the same: Write from the heart… Write from the start.

Link to Original Source