DJ Kool Herc Files Lawsuit Against HBO Over Portrayal in ‘Vinyl’

DJ Kool Herc, one of the founders of hip-hop, is not happy with how he was portrayed in HBO's popular music series, Vinyl, so now he's taking legal action.

According to DNAinfo New York, the 61-year-old musician, whose real name is Clive Campbell, filed legal documents on Tuesday (May 3) in a Manhattan Court. In his suit, Herc claims that the "Mr. Campbell" character on the show, whose "contribution to the development of hip-hop music," is actually him.

Herc and his lawyers also stated that HBO offered Herc $10,000 for "waiving his rights and consultation services regarding the show," but he declined to sign off on the offer. However, HBO denies the agreement was meant to get DJ Kool Herc's permission to use his likeness in the show since he wasn't portrayed in a negative light. The Bronx DJ is seeking more than $10,000 from HBO.

HBO has been receiving mixed reviews for their scripted series Vinyl, which is about the music industry in 1970's New York City.

Hopefully, DJ Kool Herc and HBO can reached an agreement and settle this matter outside of the courtroom.

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