Remy Ma’s streaming platform has renamed an upcoming movie originally titled The Biggest Boss after being threatened with legal action from the biggest boss himself, Rick Ross.
Ross’ lawyer sent Ma a cease-and-desist letter on Feb. 26. In the letter, he complained about a trailer for a movie titled The Biggest Boss that was posted on Instagram by Remy Network, a streaming platform launched by the Bronx rapper last fall. An apparent reference to Ross’ nickname that originated from his hit 2008 song “The Boss,” the film tells the story of a prison guard who decides to become a rapper. This storyline is similar to Ross’ own trajectory, as the rapper worked as a correctional officer in Florida before entering the music industry. “The Boss” could also be heard in the background of the trailer.
“Not only is Ross not profiting from his own tradename and musical work, but also, viewers encountering the trailer are being confused into believing that Ross has approved or is in some way affiliated with the movie,” wrote Ross’ attorney Leron Rogers in the cease-and-desist letter, obtained by Billboard. “This confusion harms Ross and the goodwill associated with his name and brand.”
Ma and her company responded by taking down the original trailer and replacing it with a new one on Wednesday (March 18). The new trailer advertises the movie under a new title, The C.O., and does not include Ross’ music.
It’s unclear, however, if this will fully satisfy Ross. The rapper’s legal threat demanded not just that Ma take down the trailer, but also that she “cease with production of the movie and halt any scheduled release.” The letter warned of potential litigation for copyright infringement and deceptive business practices, noting, “Your client’s liability and exposure under such legal action could be considerable.”
Reps for Ma did not immediately return a request for comment on the matter on Wednesday.
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