Overview
- Multiple Miami-area officers filed a federal defamation suit against the producers of The Rip, naming Artists Equity and Falco Productions rather than Netflix.
- Plaintiffs Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana say the film’s lead officers closely track them despite no names being used, which they argue has damaged their careers and standing.
- The complaint says the movie implies misconduct and unethical behavior tied to a 2016 Miami Lakes raid, while Santana publicly denies any theft and says the title suggests stealing.
- The officers seek damages, legal fees, a public retraction, and a prominent disclaimer, and they say they warned the producers with a cease-and-desist before release.
- The film debuted on Netflix in January 2026, draws from a 2016 cash seizure of more than $24 million, was shot largely in Hialeah, and drew criticism from the city’s mayor for its portrayal.