Home Gaming Former NYC mayor leads Activision’s defense against Noriega

Former NYC mayor leads Activision’s defense against Noriega

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Rudy

Growing up in New York City, I instantly hated and then later loved Rudolph Giuliani. He tried to crack down on petty crimes like jaywalking, but later helped hold the city together during 9/11. Now, he’s taking on a different form of petty crime from an old-school terrorist, Noriega’s lawsuit against Activision for Black Ops II.

We already told you of Panama’s former dictator’s plans to sue Activision over the use of his likeness in COD: Black Ops II. Now Rudy is taking him on, leading Activision’s legal team.

According to Rudy, Noriega’s appearance in Black Ops II is transformative – it puts the former leader in a fictional set of circumstances and therefore is protected by free speech. Added to this argument, Activision is saying that Noriega’s likeness was not used to promote the game; he was a “bit character” in a cast of over 45 with his character appearing in less than 1% of the game.

A United States Attorney, Guiliani was questioned about why he took on the case. He explained that “This could have a chilling effect on all works of art” as it would also impact books, movies and other games. It’s about freedom of speech and could lead to some interesting debates. However, my favorite part of this whole thing is Rudy’s typical no-nonsense view of the situation:

What’s astonishing is that Manuel Noriega, a notorious dictator who is in prison for the heinous crimes he committed, is upset about being portrayed as a criminal and enemy of the state in the game Call of Duty. Quite simply, it’s absurd. I’m not interested in giving handouts to a convicted murderer and drug smuggler like Manuel Noriega who is demanding money from Activision and its popular Call of Duty franchise for simply exercising its right to free speech. Noriega’s attack on the rights of Call of Duty comes as no surprise considering he’s a lawless tyrant who trampled over the rights of his own people.

Well said, Rudy, well said.

Last Updated: September 23, 2014

14 Comments

  1. ReaperOfSquirrels

    September 23, 2014 at 12:10

    Some people are so petty… they should just leave the game devs alone. The character looks a little like you, but it’s NOT you. Twit.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 23, 2014 at 12:28

      Noriega is taking America down one lawsuit at a time.

      Reply

  2. CAE9872

    September 23, 2014 at 12:11

    When I first saw this article elsewhere I had to check the date to make sure it wasn’t April 1st…turns out it is a story after all.

    Reply

  3. Kensei Seraph - Staff

    September 23, 2014 at 12:16

    *cough*

    Former NYC mayor leads Activision’s defense against* Noriega
    Fixed.

    Reply

    • Her Highness the Hipster

      September 23, 2014 at 12:23

      *ninja edit*
      I have no idea what you’re talking about… 😛

      Reply

  4. Hammersteyn

    September 23, 2014 at 12:21

    Shame, Noriega was imprisoned so long by the Americans he adopted their culture

    Reply

  5. RinceThis

    September 23, 2014 at 12:24

    Wow. Is that what you do when facing life in prison? LOL

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 23, 2014 at 12:27

      Probably have internet as well.

      Reply

      • RinceThis

        September 23, 2014 at 12:48

        Let’s be honest. He’s probably played the game, loved it, and now wants recognition.

        Reply

        • ElNicko

          September 23, 2014 at 13:10

          He just wants some Royalty fee’s ….

          Reply

  6. HvR

    September 23, 2014 at 13:13

    Not sure what is more laughable Noriega suing Activision or Giuliani making this a high profile case “because he believes in freedom of speech and defense of the arts”.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 23, 2014 at 13:20

      I didn’t know he enjoyed DOTA.

      Reply

      • Mossel

        September 23, 2014 at 13:44

        LOL!!

        Reply

  7. Jedi Consular Kromas

    September 23, 2014 at 13:29

    Politicians defending games. Oh well I was hoping the world ends after Mass Effect: Not Four. At least we had a good run.

    Reply

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