Rockstar Games is once again facing scrutiny over claims that characters in Grand Theft Auto 6 may be modeled too closely after real-life individuals. The issue reignited after the release of GTA 6’s second trailer, which revealed updated character visuals — and with it, renewed allegations of unauthorized likeness use.
🃏 Florida Joker vs. Rockstar: A Viral Face-Off
This saga began back in late 2023, when Lawrence Sullivan, infamously known as the “Florida Joker” for his tattooed mugshot, claimed Rockstar stole his look for a GTA 6 character. While both sport face tattoos and resemble a Joker-esque vibe, the case never went to court. Sullivan demanded millions in compensation, calling it “free marketing,” but Rockstar never acknowledged the claim — and legal experts noted how difficult it would be to prove intentional likeness.
🎥 TikToker Claims Character Copying, Rockstar “Adjusts” the Model
Around the same time, a TikToker named @zoeepoppyy alleged that one of the NPCs shown in the first GTA 6 trailer copied his distinct look: dreadlocks, white tank top, and chunky gold chains. The claim gained traction on social media.
However, the second trailer and new screenshots showed that this same NPC had undergone a significant visual overhaul:
- Dreadlocks swapped for pigtails and a red cap
- Added mustache and light glasses
- Chains and white T-shirt remained unchanged
These changes triggered a viral reaction. One comparison post on Twitter/X received over 13 million views, with many fans speculating that Rockstar altered the character in response to legal or PR pressure.
🧪 Normal Evolution or Damage Control?
Rockstar hasn’t commented on the matter, but fans who follow game development note that character revisions between trailers are normal. Even main characters like Jason underwent noticeable design upgrades from the first to second trailer — evolving from generic “tough guy” to a more realistic and stylized protagonist.
That said, Rockstar does have a history with these kinds of disputes. Actress Lindsay Lohan previously sued over the GTA V character Lacey Jonas, only for the judge to dismiss the case, ruling the character was a “satirical composite” of celebrity culture — not a direct copy.
📌 Final Thoughts
As hype builds toward GTA 6’s release, Rockstar’s character design process is being examined more closely than ever. Whether these changes were organic or a response to online controversy, it’s clear the studio is treading carefully — in an era where viral fame can easily spark a lawsuit.
