'Simpsons' 250M Lawsuit: Close Resemblance of Characters Prompted 'Goodfella's' Frank Sivero to File 250M Lawsuit Over 'Simpsons'

'Simpsons' 250M Lawsuit: Close Resemblance of Characters Prompted 'Goodfella's' Frank Sivero to File 250M Lawsuit Over 'Simpsons'

Amidst favourable developments surrounding the American animated Television Sitcom, the "Simpson's," Actor Frank Sivero of "Goodfellas" filed charges against them for creating the character of "Louie" who first appeared in their TV Series, "Bart the Murderer" on October 10, 1991. The character's appearance and mannerisms is apparently similar to his role as Frankie Carbone in the Film "Goodfellas," which was released in 1990 and has performed well in the box office and nominated in six Academy Awards.

A formal charge was executed by the Actor on October 17 and received at the Superior Court of the State of California on October 21.  Stated in the Complaint are the pertinent facts surrounding his claim for damages amounting to $250M. Breakdown of which are the following: $50,000.00 for improper infringement and misappropriation of the Plaintiffs name and likeness; $100,000.00 for improper interference with Plaintiff's prospective economic advantage; $50,000.00 for improper appropriation of Plaintiff's confidential idea; and $50,000.00 for exemplary damages over the confidential idea.

As reported in Rolling Stone, Sivero said that what was done to him is a violation of California's Publicity Rights Law. The character of "Louie" weakened the character of Sivero, which in turn affected their effort to establish identities of their casts.      

It seemed too long before the "Goodfellas" actor finally decided to file a complaint.  It could be that prior arrangements or negotiations were made between Frank Sivero and "Simpson's" producer James L. Brooks. As reported in Deadline, there were offers from Gracie Films that the actor would be part of the Simpsons in the future which never happened.  It was also mentioned in the report that Mr. Brooks had a conversation with Sivero in a party sometime in 1995-1996 about certain projects.  However, all proposals never materialized up to this date.

Although the "Goodfellas" Actor has his grounds for filing a complaint against the "Simpson's," it can be also viewed from another angle, that said Complaint could be a product of a failed negotiation between Sivero and the producers of the American animated sitcom.

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