Sony Sued by Man Depicted as Murderer

Sony Corp. was sued for libel by a man portrayed as a murderer in “Donnie Brasco,” the film based on the true story of an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the Mafia. John Cerasani said the movie falsely showed him committing violent crimes, including a murder, and referred to him by his nickname, “Booby.” Cerasani said he fears he will be killed by organized crime figures seeking to avenge the murder. Sony removed many references to Cerasani in the final version of the movie after Cerasani threatened to sue, the suit said. But Sony failed to stop the distribution of pirated copies of the version that was shown at a screening, the suit said. Sony officials weren’t available to comment. Donnie Brasco, played by Johnny Depp, was the undercover identity used by FBI agent Joseph Pistone. (Bloomberg News)