Universal slapped with $55 million suit over 'American Gangster'

Three former Drug Enforcement Administration agents are suing NBC Universal for $55 million, claiming the film “American Gangster” defamed hundreds of agents' reputations.

Russell Crowe
in 'American Gangster'According to Reuters, the plaintiffs take issue with the film's claim that “from 1973 to 1985 three-quarters of New York City's DEA agents were convicted criminals.”

The critically lauded film, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, claims to be based on the real-life story of '70s drug lord Frank Lucas (Washington). It also portrays NYC cop-turned-attorney Richie Roberts (Crowe) as battling widespread internal corruption while attempting to bring Lucas to justice.

I don't know how much of “American Gangster” is true, but I thought it was a fantastic homage to classic '70s crime dramas like “The French Connection” and “Serpico.”

I'm curious to see how this lawsuit turns out. Maybe Universal decided not to let the facts get in the way of a good story.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)