Español
Deutsch
Français
Rudy Ray Moore's Daughter Blasts Netflix & Eddie Murphy over 'Dolemite' Reboot
The scheduled release of the Rudy Ray Moore biopic "Dolemite" which stars Eddie Murphy may be in danger due to the legal action by Moore's daughter. She claims producers did not pay Moore's estate what is due.
While Eddie Murphy is making millions from the Rudy Ray Moore biopic “Dolemite Is My Name,” Moore’s daughter and sole heir, Rusty Wesson claims she’s been cut out of the film’s profits.
Netflix reveals first look pics of Eddie Murphy in Dolemite is my Name https://t.co/ffeWiqkEqR
— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) July 23, 2019
WESSON TAKES LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE FILM'S PRODUCERS
Wesson aired out her concerns in a video statement forwarded to The Blast, slamming Murphy and his co-star, Chris Rock from excluding her from the profits of the Netflix film.
"It is not fair that these companies and artists should make millions off my father's name and likeness while I struggle on welfare."
Murphy portrays the late Moore in the movie which is scheduled to air in September. Wesson has reportedly hired a lawyer and is considering filing an injunction against the streaming giant to prevent the film’s release.
EXCLUSIVE: Dolemite is back on the scene ... and in a war with Rudy Ray Moore's daughter over money.https://t.co/I92K1lFhgt
— The Blast (@TheBlastNews) August 6, 2019
WHY SHE'S CRYING FOUL
According to Wesson, who has documents to prove that she is the legal daughter of Moore and his sole heir and executor, the problem began in 2008 around the time of her father’s death. A deal had been entered into with a company to license three films but “it was one-sided in their favor.”
Since then, Wesson has not received any payments from the company’s producers who refused to acknowledge that she was the legal daughter and executor of Moore.
Wesson’s attorney maintains the company has breached their agreement without any intentions of settling the issue. As such, he intends to hire a litigation counsel and accounting firm to audit royalties due to Moore since 2008.
This fall, Eddie Murphy stars as 70’s shock comedian Rudy Ray Moore in “Dolemite Is My Name.” Co-starring Wesley Snipes & @chrisrock, the @netflix release chronicles Moore’s career, a sampling of which can be heard on “50 Years of Cussing.” https://t.co/3MffDeTGbj 🎤 #eddiemurphy
— Warrior Records (@warriorrecords) June 28, 2019
At some point, a settlement was reportedly made between the parties concerning the character, “Dolemite” and the rights of the film but Wesson never received the payments. After further prodding, the producers sent her $50,000. The amount was returned by Wesson’s camp in an effort to get a higher amount.
Craig Brewer’s (@MyBrewTube) DOLEMITE IS MY NAME, starring Eddie Murphy, @KeeganMKey, Wesley Snipes (@WS), @MrCraigRobinson, and Tituss Burgess (@Instatituss), Mike Epps, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. #TIFF19 https://t.co/KeWUmfPnmZ pic.twitter.com/8aGV1Du9Ww
— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) July 23, 2019
WESSON ADMITS LIVING ON WELFARE
Wesson’s attorney maintains the company has breached their agreement without any intentions of settling the issue. As such, he intends to hire a litigation counsel and accounting firm to audit royalties due to Moore since 2008. Meanwhile, Wesson revealed while Murphy is earning a lot from the film based on her father's life, she's living on welfare.
"It is not fair that these companies and artists should make millions off my father's name and likeness while I struggle on welfare," she said.
MURPHY POISED TO RETURN TO STAND-UP
Apart from the “Dolemite” reboot, Murphy is also in talks with Netflix for his return to stand-up comedy. He was reportedly offered a $70 million contract for an unknown number of specials. The amount is a lot higher than what Rock and Dave Chapelle were paid for their own Netflix gigs. Rock reportedly earned $40 million for two specials while Chapelle was paid $60 million for three.
