Here’s the latest available on the topic.
Answer summary
- Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are facing a defamation-style lawsuit related to their Netflix film The Rip, filed by two Miami-Dade County law-enforcement officers alleging reputational harm from how officers are depicted in the movie. The suits target the film’s production banner Artists Equity and seek damages, plus a public retraction/correction and stronger disclaimers for the film. These developments were reported in mid-May 2026.
Details and context
- The litigation centers on two officers from Miami-Dade who contend The Rip portrays them as corrupt or unethical, based on a real 2016 narcotics raid that inspired the film. They argue the film uses specific details that create a reasonable impression of misconduct, harming their reputations. The complaints name Artists Equity as the defendant and request compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, a public retraction, and an added disclaimer or correction in connection with the film.
- Coverage notes that The Rip is described as “inspired by true events,” and that the film’s team has emphasized the disclaimer stating the depicted events and characters are fictionalized, though plaintiffs maintain the portrayal nonetheless caused harm. Damon and Affleck have publicly discussed the project as a crime thriller inspired by the actual 2016 case, with a technical advisor from the Miami-Dade Police involved in production.
What this might mean for the film and parties
- If the court finds merit to the claims, Artists Equity and the film may be required to issue a stronger disclaimer or correction and potentially pay damages; relief could include a public statement and changes to how the film is marketed. The case could influence on-screen depictions of real-law-enforcement figures in similar projects, particularly around “inspired by true events” labeling.
Related background (for clarity)
- The Rip is Netflix’s crime thriller co-led by Damon and Affleck and connected to a high-profile real case from 2016; its promotional materials and marketing are part of the dispute as plaintiffs argue that the depiction misleads viewers about real individuals. The production has defended its approach with disclaimers and collaboration with law-enforcement advisors.
Illustration
- If you’d like, I can summarize the key legal filings (claims, requested relief, and defenses) once you confirm you want a point-by-point breakdown from the available reports, or I can look for the latest court docket updates.
Citations
- The latest coverage indicating the Miami-Dade officers’ lawsuit against Artists Equity over The Rip, including claims of reputational harm and requests for damages and a correction.[3]
- Additional details from coverage highlighting the plaintiffs’ claims and the production company’s response and disclaimer context.[2][5]
- Context on the film’s premise and the involvement of a Miami-Dade Police technical advisor in production.[6]
Sources
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are back in legal-drama headlines – but this time, it's not for something happening on screen.The longtime Hollywood duo are being sued over their Netflix crime thriller The Rip, with two Miami-Dade...
www.geo.tvMatt Damon and Ben Affleck are facing legal trouble over their Netflix crime thriller The Rip.Miami police filed a lawsuit claiming that the film damaged their reputation.The movie, which was released in January under Damon and...
www.geo.tvHollywood actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are facing legal trouble after two law enforcement officers filed a lawsuit against their production company, Artists Equity, over the upcoming film 'The Rip'. ‘The Rip’ Controversy: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Face Lawsuit From Miami-Dade Officers Over Alleged Reputation Damage.
www.latestly.comTwo police officers allege that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's new movie "The Rip", based on real events, misrepresents them.
www.wboc.comDamon and Affleck reunited to lead the Netflix crime thriller inspired by the 2016 Miami-Dade narcotics raid
www.independent.co.ukRead Latest Agency News Quickly Here Hollywood actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are facing legal trouble after two law enforcement officers filed a lawsuit against their production company, Artists Equity, over the upcoming film 'The Rip'. Ben Affleck, Matt Damon Face Lawsuit over Upcoming Film 'The Rip'.
www.latestly.comTwo South Florida-based police officers are suing for defamation following the release of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s action thriller “The Rip.”Miami-Dade area sergeants Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana filed a lawsuit against the film’s production company, Artists Equity, earlier this month in Miami federal court, per the Associated Press. Smith and Santana are seeking an undisclosed amount of compensatory damages, along with punitive damages and attorney fees. They are also asking for a...
www.dailywire.comGet latest articles and stories on Entertainment at LatestLY. The officers claimed that the characters portrayed by Affleck and Damon in the film imply "misconduct, poor judgment and unethical behaviour in connection with a real law enforcement operation." Entertainment News Ben Affleck, Matt Damon Face Lawsuit over Upcoming Film 'The Rip'.
www.latestly.comTwo South Florida police officers claim Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s recent action thriller “The Rip” used too many real-life details in its fictionalized narrative, causing harm to the officers’ personal and professional reputations South Florida Police Officers Sue Ben Affleck and Matt Damon over 'The Rip'.
www.latestly.comMiami-Dade officers have filed a lawsuit against Matt Damon and Ben Affleck over Netflix’s The Rip for damaging their reputations.
www.mandatory.com