‘Hustlers’ Producers Escape Alleged Movie Subject’s Court Claims

Samantha Barbash—the exotic dancer allegedly portrayed by Jennifer Lopez in the 2019 film “Hustlers"—lost on claims in Manhattan federal court that the movie’s producers defamed her and violated her publicity rights.

“Hustlers” is based on a New York Magazine article about adult dancers who drugged patrons and stole money from them while they were incapacitated. The producers initially sought Barbash’s consent to make the film, but she refused.

Barbash sued in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York earlier this year, alleging the producers wrongly used her persona in advertising under New York law and defamed ...