A former star of the VH1 reality show “Mob Wives,” Karen Gravano claims that Rockstar used her image and life story in Grand Theft Auto 5 without her permission. She is so tore up about it, she wants $40 million dollars in compensation and punitive damages.
The character she is referring to is Antonia Bottino, a character you meeting during a random encounter mission called “Burial.” You find her about to be buried alive when she reveals that she is the daughter of retired Gambetti crime family boss Sammy Bottino, who entered witness protection after quitting his gangster ways as part of a plea bargain.
Gravano’s real life story is very similar, as her father was part of the Gambino crime family, Sammy Gravano who also entered witness protection after a plea deal. According to papers filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court, “Notwithstanding the fact that plaintiff has the utmost respect for the writers and creators of Grand Theft Auto V video game…her story is unique and is hers to tell,” according to papers filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court.
She plans to tell that story with a new book deal, something she alleges Rockstar could have licensed, “with relative ease, which may have [averted] this action.”