CRIME & LAW

Miami Deputies Sue Affleck, Damon Over 'The Rip'

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Miami: Two Miami-Dade Sheriff's deputies filed a defamation lawsuit on May 7 in federal court against Artists Equity, the production company owned by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, alleging that the Netflix film 'The Rip' used identifiable details from a 2016 drug investigation and harmed their personal and professional reputations. This week the plaintiffs, Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, and a public retraction and correction; reporting on May 12–13 noted the film's producers and promotional material referenced real-case accounts and that the movie had been described publicly as 'loosely based' on a Miami-Dade investigation.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2016 — Law enforcement seized more than $21 million in a Miami Lakes home linked to a suspected trafficker.
2024–2026 (production period) — Joe Carnahan directed 'The Rip', promoted as inspired by real events with Capt. Chris Casiano advising.
May 7, 2026 — Deputies Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana filed a defamation lawsuit in Miami federal court against Artists Equity.
May 12–13, 2026 — Multiple outlets reported on the filing and summarized the plaintiffs' claims and requested remedies.
Post-filing — Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, and a public retraction and correction.

Why This Matters to You

This lawsuit could impact your Netflix viewing. If the deputies win, 'The Rip' could be pulled or changed. It also raises questions about how Hollywood uses real-life events. Check if your favorite shows are "based on a true story". They might be closer to reality than you think.

The Bottom Line

Two Miami deputies claim a Netflix film damaged their reputations. They want damages, fees, and a public correction. This case could set a precedent for how real-life events are used in film. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves true crime dramas.