Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

Dude Pissed About His 'Wolf Of Wall Street' Portrayal Wants Film Pulled From Theaters

With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.

The real-life version of Nicky "Rugrat" Koskoff in "The Wolf of Wall Street" is livid over his less-than-stellar portrayal and wants the film yanked from theaters.

Andrew Greene, an investment banker who was present during Stratton Oakmont's heyday of illegal activities that were highlighted in the film, is also filing a $25 million lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, claiming that the character is hurting his reputation and employment chances, according to TMZ.

Rugrat, portrayed in the movie by P.J. Byrne, is seen in several scenes snorting blow, having sex with hookers and doing all sorts of illegal stuff. There's a particular scene where Rugrat is partaking in nose candy while giving advice over the phone to a distraught Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio.

Rugrat is also mocked extensively in the film for wearing a toupee, something that also angered Greene, whose real nickname during his Wall Street days was "Wigwam," according to the Associated Press.

Sponsored message

The lawsuit claims:

"The motion picture introduces "Rugrat" by referencing his "piece of shit hairpiece." In another scene, investigators ask whether his hair is real. Characters are also seen attempting to grab the toupee in a scene. Mr. Greene will be permanently linked to the crimes and loathsome behavior portrayed by his likeness in the motion picture, despite never having been interviewed, questioned, charged, imprisoned, or even arrested for the illicit and despicable behavior shown in the motion picture,"

Paramount has not commented on the lawsuit, which you can read in full here.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.

But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.

We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.

Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Chip in now to fund your local journalism

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right