Don’t recognize him? He’s the one the lawsuit says wore a toupee throughout the movie. Still don’t? He’s the one who assumed a significant leadership role at Stratton Oakmont upon Jordan Belfort‘s resignation. Still need another clue? He’s the one who caused the character of Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill) to remark, “F—ing Rugrat that wig-wearing faggot I can’t believe that f—ing guy. I want to kill him,” and Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) to then respond, “Swear to God, I want to choke him to death. Irresponsible little prick.”
Now, in a New York federal court, Andrew Greene has come forward to claim a likeness to his own self.
Greene says he was with Stratton Oakmont between 1993 and 1996, and during the time period featured in the movie, was the head of the firm’s corporate finance department and a member of the board of directors. Greene says his legal full name was used in Belfort’s memoir, which provided the basis for the acclaimed film.
His nickname allegedly changed from “Wigwam” to “Rugrat” in the film, but Greene believes his mark is unmistakable. He is perturbed by what he sees on the screen.
“The motion picture contains various scenes wherein Mr. Greene’s character is portrayed as a criminal, drug user, degenerate, depraved, and/or devoid of any morality or ethics,” says the lawsuit. “In one scene, Mr. Greene’s character is depicted shaving a woman’s head after Jordan Belfort’s character states the woman was offered ten-thousand dollars.”
The film treads upon real-life criminality that eventually led to Belfort spending 22 months in prison. The most legally sensitive area, it appears, is the depiction of Belfort’s associates.