Officers Sue Damon/Affleck Over "The Rip"

Two Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office officers are suing Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, alleging their recent film "The Rip" defames their reputations. Officers Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana claim the movie and its advertisements falsely imply misconduct and unethical behavior related to a real law enforcement operation.

The lawsuit asserts that while not named, the characters portrayed by Damon and Affleck are closely associated with the plaintiffs. This association allegedly causes substantial harm to their personal and professional standing due to the film's narrative. They argue the unique details of a real 2016 investigation were used, creating a strong inference that the depicted officers are them.

The officers cite scenes where characters bend police procedures, including a character killing a DEA agent, despite the film claiming to be "inspired by true events." They contend that beyond a large seizure, the depicted events did not occur. Family and colleagues have reportedly questioned them about using seized funds for personal gain, leading to the belief that viewers associate the police department with the film's corrupt portrayal.

Attorneys for the officers sent a cease and desist letter in December 2025. The production companies responded after the film's January 2026 release, stating concerns were unfounded as the officers were not explicitly named. The plaintiffs are seeking a public retraction, a prominent disclaimer, and compensatory and punitive damages.