Linda Ramone sues Joey Ramone’s estate over biopic plans
Linda Ramone has filed a lawsuit in a Manhattan court against the “unapproved and unauthorized” upcoming Joey Ramone biopic, which is set to be released by Netflix.
I Slept With Joey Ramone is based on the memoir written by his brother Mickey Leigh, released in 2009. Plans for the biopic were announced on the 20th anniversary of Joey’s death in 2021, with Pete Davidson set to star as the titular figure.
The film has been given the full support of Joey’s estate, which is controlled by Leigh, and is being made in partnership with FTC. I Slept With Joey Ramone is set to be directed by Jason Orley, who has adapted the project with Davidson.
However, Linda, who is in charge of her late husband Johnny Ramone’s estate, filed a lawsuit on January 21st, which has been obtained exclusively by Billboard, claims the upcoming film will present a “one-sided recitation of the history of the Ramones.”
Linda Ramone’s lawyers state: “Ms. Ramone objects to defendants’ attempt to create a Ramones film without her involvement — not to be obstinate, but rather based on defendants’ disregard for [Ramones] assets and their conduct and treatment of Ms. Ramone and her late husband.”
The statement continues: “To permit defendants alone to tell the authoritative story of the Ramones would be an injustice to the band and its legacy.”
As of yet, there is no timeline on when the film is set to be released by Netflix.
After being announced in the starring role, the former Saturday Night Live star said: “I’m about to start music lessons and voice lessons and all this other s—t and it’s honestly a dream come true that they’re giving Pete a shot.”
“I’m definitely taking it very seriously and I’m doing my research. Because Joey did a bit of everything and we’re following his life, so you’re going to see a bit of that. It’s a lot, man. It’s gonna be really interesting and I’m excited,” Davidson added.
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