Lawsuit filed against Rockstar Games over Vice City character

Almost fifteen years since its launch, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is still generating controversy.

The Psychic Readers Network filed a lawsuit against Vice City developers Rockstar Games on Tuesday over a character which they claim uses late TV psychic Miss Cleo’s likeness and accent.

According to the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, the network claims the character Auntie Poulet appears to be a direct rip-off of Miss Cleo, an American TV personality physic who worked under the PRN.

PRN, who owns the rights to Miss Cleo, claims Rockstar continues to make money from the game despite it’s release fifteen years ago, due to re-releases and bundle packages.

Miss Cleo, real name Youree Dell Harris, passed away from cancer in July 2016.

Harris herself was even hired by Rockstar Games to voice the Auntie Poulet character.

A Rockstar Games spokesperson issued a statement to TMZ, saying, “These claims are entirely meritless and completely ridiculous. We will vigorously defend ourselves with regard to this matter.”

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was released in October 2002, earning worldwide acclaim and numerous end-of-year awards.

Highly controversial, as with any GTA title, the game has gone on to sell over 17 million copies worldwide.