Manuel Noriega, the former military dictator of Panama, must have learned about Lindsay Lohan’s latest lawsuit from his prison cell in Panama. Like Lohan who alleged misappropriation of her names, images, and likeness by a video game maker, Noriega filed a suit against Activision over 2012 popular first-person shooter Call of Duty: Black Ops II which, according to Noriega, features his image and likeness without his permission.
The complaint claimed the character in the game is repeatedly referred to by name and also as Noriega’s nickname, “Pineapple Face”—because of his pockmarked face. In addition, the character is “readily identifiable [as Noriega]” with acne scars and depicted as “a kidnapper, murderer and enemy of the state ” and “the culprit of numerous fictional heinous crimes.” The filing concluded that Activision monetized Noriega’s likeness without his permission and damaged Noriega’s reputation. Noriega is seeking damages for violation of common-law publicity rights, unjust enrichment, and unfair business practices.
According to Activision’s 2012 statement, Call of Duty: Black Ops II earned more than $1 billion in the first month it debuted. The New York Post reported that Activision has sold more than 12.7 million copies worldwide.
Concerned about his spotless reputation, Noriega, now 80, is currently serving a 20-year sentence for murder in Panama. Previously, he served 15 years in a U.S. federal prison for drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering. After serving a year and two months in France for money laundering, he was extradited to Panama. The former dictator ruled over Panama from 1981 to 1989 until he was overthrown by the U.S.
Recently, Lindsay Lohan also sued Take-Two Interactive Software and Rockstar Games, the makers of Grand Theft Auto V, alleging unauthorized use of her likeness.
Manuel Noriega sues over ‘Call of Duty’ video game
Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega sues over depiction in ‘Call of Duty’ game
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Draws Lawsuit from Former Panama Dictator