The release of the Netflix film “The Rip,” featuring stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, has sparked significant controversy regarding its portrayal of Hialeah, Florida. Mayor Bryan Calvo has voiced strong objections to the film, claiming it misrepresents the city and its law enforcement. Calvo is now considering legal action against the film’s producers to address these concerns.
During a news conference, reported by NBC Miami, Mayor Calvo described the film as a “slap in the face to our law enforcement personnel.” He emphasized that Hialeah, which ranks as the second safest major city in Florida and within the top 15% of safest major cities in the United States, should not be depicted in a negative light to international audiences. Calvo pointed out that the film is based on events that took place in nearby Miami Lakes, yet the filmmakers chose to set the story in Hialeah, which he argues is misleading.
The mayor highlighted that much of “The Rip” was filmed outside of Florida, in locations such as New Jersey and Los Angeles. This further distances the film from the realities of Hialeah, contributing to a narrative that Calvo believes could adversely affect future investments in the city.
In his statements, Calvo expressed concern over the portrayal of Hialeah police officers in the film. He criticized the depiction of local law enforcement as corrupt and referenced the use of the city’s name and seal without proper authorization. “This patch,” Calvo said, gesturing to the Hialeah Police officer’s emblem, “is showcased in the film, and when they refer to what this patch represents, they imply that all Hialeah police officers are corrupt. That is a massive disrespect to the city, and as mayor, I have to protect the image of Hialeah.”
Calvo’s remarks underscore the potential legal implications of the film’s narrative and the possibility of copyright infringements. As the situation develops, some officers from the Hialeah Police Department have sought legal counsel, signaling the potential for a lawsuit against the film’s producers.
While Calvo has indicated that pursuing a lawsuit is not his immediate priority, he has made it clear that addressing the perceived misrepresentation of Hialeah in “The Rip” is essential. With the film currently topping Netflix’s global movie list, the mayor’s concerns about the city’s image are amplified on a much larger platform.
In summary, the controversy surrounding “The Rip” reflects ongoing tensions between media portrayals and community representation, raising important questions about how cities are depicted in popular culture.
