It might boast of a star-studded cast and a truly compelling storyline but Stephen Soderbergh's The Laundromat is also surrounded by controversy. The law firm behind the Panama Papers has filed a lawsuit against Netflix for libel and trademark infringement.
According to Deadline, the real Jürgen Mossack and Ramón Fonseca of Mossack Fonseca & Co. have filed a lawsuit against Netflix for the film. In the suit, Mossack and Fonseca claim that the movie "defames and portrays the Plaintiffs as ruthless uncaring lawyers who are involved in money laundering, tax evasion, bribery and/or other criminal conduct." In addition to that, they claim that the film has "clearly defamed" the lawyers "and cast them in the false light of criminality."
Mossack and Fonseca are hoping to file a temporary restraining order against the streaming giant from making the movie available without disclaimers. Since then, Netflix has filed a motion to dismiss the case.
The Laundromat stars Meryl Streep as Ellen Martin, a widow who investigates legal fraud after a tragedy. However, she somehow traces everything back to a law firm in Panama City which is run by Mossack (Gary Oldman) and Fonseca (Antonio Banderas). The film also stars Sharon Stone, Jeffrey Wright, James Cromwell, and David Schwimmer.
It's interesting to note that the lawsuit was filed long after The Laundromat has enjoyed its theatrical release. The movie premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on September 1 before being released theatrically on September 27. It is currently streaming on Netflix.
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