Hollywood’s use of “based on a true story” continues to draw scrutiny, as questions grow over how closely some productions mirror real events. A new legal dispute involving the Netflix film The Rip highlights those concerns and raises broader issues about reputational harm and media accountability.
According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, two officers from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office have filed a lawsuit alleging that The Rip caused “substantial harm to their personal and professional reputations.” Officers Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana argue that the film’s depiction of law enforcement too closely resembles a real 2016 investigation in which they were involved.
The film begins with the phrase “Inspired by True Events,” a common disclaimer in the entertainment industry. However, the plaintiffs claim the production goes beyond general inspiration. The lawsuit states that the use of “unique, non-generic details,” along with the Miami-Dade setting and portrayal of a narcotics unit, creates what they describe as a reasonable connection to the officers.
The Rip, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, portrays members of a law enforcement team who discover $20 million while on duty and begin to question each other’s integrity. The storyline centers on mistrust and alleged corruption within the unit.
Director Joe Carnahan has said the film draws from a real-life account shared by a former Miami police officer. Still, Smith and Santana contend that the similarities have led to real-world consequences. According to the complaint, colleagues and family members have speculated that the officers may have engaged in misconduct similar to what is depicted on screen, including misuse of seized funds.
Attorneys for the officers argue that audiences are associating both the plaintiffs and the Miami-Dade Police Department with the actions portrayed in The Rip. They claim the film has contributed to reputational damage within both professional and personal circles.
Prior to the film’s release, Smith and Santana attempted to intervene. In December 2025, they issued a cease-and-desist letter seeking to delay or halt distribution. Legal representatives for Damon and Affleck responded that the concerns were “unfounded,” noting that the film does not name the officers or explicitly identify them.
The lawsuit now seeks a “public retraction and correction,” along with the addition of a clear disclaimer distancing the film from the plaintiffs. The officers are also pursuing compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
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English (US) · 