The iconic punk outfit The Ramones may be known for their rebellious anthems, but within the band’s own family, a different kind of discord is playing out. A recent lawsuit filed by Johnny Ramone’s widow, Linda Ramone, threatens to derail the upcoming Netflix biopic starring Pete Davidson and based on Joey Ramone’s brother’s memoir.
Clashing Narratives:
At the heart of the dispute lies the ownership of The Ramones’ intellectual property, which is split between Linda and Joey’s brother, Mickey Leigh. The lawsuit targets Leigh’s alleged “covert development” of a Ramones biopic based on his memoir, “I Slept with Joey Ramone.” While Netflix isn’t explicitly named, the suit points to the striking similarities between the planned film and Leigh’s book, both titled “I Slept with Joey Ramone,” and the involvement of Joey Ramone’s estate.
Linda’s Objection:
Linda Ramone’s primary objection stems from not being involved in the film’s creation. Her attorneys argue that “defendants’ disregard for [Ramones] assets and their conduct and treatment of Ms. Ramone and her late husband” necessitates her participation. To Linda, allowing Leigh to solely tell the band’s story would be an “injustice” to its legacy and potentially paint an inaccurate picture of Johnny’s role and contributions.
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Beyond Legal Battles:
This lawsuit goes beyond a mere copyright dispute. It delves into the personal dynamics between the remaining Ramones family members and raises questions about who gets to control the narrative of a band deeply embedded in punk history. Linda’s insistence on being involved speaks to a desire to protect not just Johnny’s legacy but also the band’s collective legacy from potentially being skewed by one perspective.
Uncertainty for the Biopic:
The lawsuit throws a curveball at the seemingly smooth trajectory of the Netflix biopic. Whether the film progresses as planned or undergoes alterations to address Linda’s concerns remains to be seen. Regardless of the legal outcome, this family feud sheds light on the complexities of preserving the legacy of an influential band and the potential pitfalls of relying solely on individual narratives to tell a collective story.
Key Takeaways:
- Linda Ramone sues over an unauthorized Ramones biopic based on Joey Ramone’s brother’s memoir.
- Intellectual property ownership and conflicting narratives fuel the legal battle.
- Linda seeks to protect Johnny’s legacy and ensure a balanced portrayal of the band.
- The lawsuit cast uncertainty on the upcoming Netflix biopic starring Pete Davidson.
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