20 Mind-Blowing Gaming Facts You Probably Never Knew

17. Lawsuits Against Grand Theft Auto Have Totaled Over $1 Billion

Gta V Lindsay LohanRockstar GamesWith its enormous popularity and controversial content, the Grand Theft Auto franchise is an easy target for enterprising conservative lawyers to take out their anal-retentive frustrations, attempting to sue the gaming giant into oblivion for a number of apparent "offences" mostly related to taste, decency, the influence the game purportedly has on society, and the accessibility of the game to minors. Jack Thompson's bone-headed crusade to get the series banned is surely the most highly-publicised stand made against the games, though the various litigious movements against GTA have totaled an asking price of over $1 billion, which just so happens to be the amount that the latest game, Grand Theft Auto V, made within the first three days of its release. Of course, these suits are usually frivolous and idiotic enough that they're easily dismissed, though just yesterday, news broke that Lindsay Lohan will be suing Rockstar for reportedly using her likeness for the character Lacey Jonas in GTA V. Jonas is a vapid, debauched actress in the game, and while her character is obviously a parody of Lohan and people like her, the visual likeness is not substantial enough to warrant a suit. As for anything else? It's safely covered under two beautiful words: fair use.
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Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.