We Speak Entertainment

Versace Family: It’s “Sad & Reprehensible” The Assassination of Gianni Versace Uses Maureen Orth’s Source Material

Published

7 years ago

January 10, 2018

The Versace family continues to be ruffled by FX’s The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. In a new statement, the family reiterated they have not authorized the series nor have they had any involvement in the project and said the basis for the show, Maureen Orth‘s book Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in US History is full of gossip.”As we have said, the Versace family has neither authorized nor had any involvement whatsoever in the forthcoming TV series about the death of Mr. Gianni Versace, which should only be considered as a work of fiction,” the family said in a statement. “The company producing the series claims it is relying on a book by Maureen Orth, but the Orth book itself is full of gossip and speculation. Orth never received any information from the Versace family and she has no basis to make claims about the intimate personal life of Gianni Versace or other family members. Instead, in her effort to create a sensational story, she presents second-hand hearsay that is full of contradictions.

“As just one example, Orth makes assertions about Gianni Versace’s medical condition based on a person who claims he reviewed a post-mortem test result, but she admits it would have been illegal for the person to have reviewed the report in the first place (if it existed at all),” the statement continued. “In making her lurid claims, she ignores contrary information provided by members of Mr. Versace’s family, who lived and worked closely with him and were in the best position to know the facts of his life.”Gianni Versace was a brave and honest man, who engaged in humanitarian work for the benefit of others. Of all the possible portrayals of his life and legacy, it is sad and reprehensible that the producers have chosen to present the distorted and bogus version created by Maureen Orth,” the statement concluded. “The Versace family will issue no further comment on the matter.”

The Assassination of Gianni Versace, American Crime Story

The family previously issued a statement regarding the upcoming second season of Ryan Murphy‘s American Crime Story and said it should be regarded as a “work of fiction.” Producers FX Productions and Fox 21 Television Studios hit back, standing by the work and Murphy told E! News he stands by the series.”The book that we based our show off of, that we own, Vulgar Favors by Maureen Orth, has been out for nearly 20 years,” Murphy told E! News. “And it’s a work of nonfiction. It’s been scrutinized and vetted for close to two decades. And a lot of if not all of Maureen’s reporting in that book was on the record, and it’s been sourced out, and we had our own sources.

“So I just respectfully say,” Murphy continued. “It is not a work of fiction. And I stand by the reporting of our female reporter. And to sort of impune her and say that what she dedicated a large portion of her life to, to say to a female journalist, ‘You’re a liar and what you’re saying is not the truth,’ I don’t think that’s cool.”The series stars Édgar Ramírez as Gianni Versace, Darren Criss as Gianni’s killer, Andrew Cunanan, Ricky Martin as Gianni’s boyfriend Antonio D’Amico and Penélope Cruz as Gianni’s sister Donatella Versace. Cruz said she spoke with Donatella before taking on the role and she received flowers from her just this week.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace, American Crime Story

“I have seen her over the years and she has always been very nice to me. I said to Ryan, ‘Before I say yes I need to make this phone call,’ so he knew I was going to call her. She said to me, that if somebody was going to do it, that if somebody was going to play her, that she was happy it was me. For me to hear those words was what made me make the decision, because I think in a way maybe she felt—she knew that I was going to put all the respect that I feel for her was going to be there,” Cruz told Will Marfuggi at the premiere of the FX series.Cruz said she planned to ask Donatella about the first statement.

In response to the first statement from the Versace family, FX Productions and Fox 21 Television Studios said, “Like the original American Crime Story series The People v. O.J. Simpson, which was based on Jeffrey Toobin‘s non-fiction bestseller The Run of His Life, FX’s follow-up The Assassination Of Gianni Versace is based on Maureen Orth’s heavily researched and authenticated non-fiction best seller Vulgar Favors which examined the true life crime spree of Andrew Cunanan. We stand by the meticulous reporting of Ms. Orth.”

E! News has reached out for comment from FX Productions and Fox 21 Television Studios regarding the latest statement from the Versace family was not immediately returned.The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story premieres Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. on FX.

Related Topics:fashion designer Giovanni Versace Versace Versace assassination

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We Speak Business

Real Estate/ Entertainment Entrepreneur John “SohoJohnny” Pasquale Guests on “Secrets of the Stage” Hosted By Quinn Lemley Sunday, November 17th, 2024

Published

3 days ago

November 11, 2024

Jimmy Star

John “SohoJohnny” Pasquale will be a guest on “Secrets of the Stage” hosted by Quinn Lemley on Sunday, November 17^th, 2024.

“Secrets of the Stage” is a tv show on MNN. Watch as Quinn Lemley pulls back the curtain and interviews artists, entrepreneurs and creators to discover their process “behind the scenes.”

Real Estate to Records: Becoming SohoJohnny

SohoJohnny, whose real name is John Pasquale, is a well-known American entrepreneur (owner of Soho’s Pep Real Estate), philanthropist, and music producer.

SohoJohnny began his career in the entertainment industry in the early 2000s, working as a promoter and producer for various events and concerts in the New York City area. Over the years, he has become a prominent figure in the music industry, working with a number of high-profile artists and producing several successful shows and events.

In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, SohoJohnny is also a well-known philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes and organizations. He has been involved with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

SohoJohnny is also known for his flamboyant and unique sense of style, often sporting colorful outfits and accessories that reflect his larger-than-life personality. He is a beloved figure in the New York City social scene and is known for his charitable work and infectious enthusiasm for life.

In recent years, SohoJohnny has continued to expand his reach in the entertainment industry, producing several successful concerts and events, including the Let Me Help, Inc. benefit concert, which featured performances by a number of high-profile artists and raised money for several charitable organizations. He also owns his own record companies Soho Records and Tribeca Records.

SohoJohnny is a well-respected figure in the entertainment industry and a beloved philanthropist who has made a significant impact on the lives of many through his charitable work and dedication to the arts.

Quinn Lemley is the star of Burlesque to Broadway and Rita Hayworth -The Heat Is On! Appeared on Good Morning America, Oprah and finalist on Shark Tank.

Bwy adventures: Barking Sharks; Sirens Of The Silver Screen; Born To Rhumba! Wanda and The King of Hair, Hollywood Goddess & Universal Language.

Films The Greatest Ears in Town – The Arif Mardin Story, Lucky Stiff, Picasso Would Have Made A Glorious Waiter.

She’s co-directed/produced, Rebel Rebel The Many Lives of David Bowie, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of The Wall, and The Ultimate Queen Celebration. She coaches and directs speakers and performers privately.

Recent charity performances include the Luce Foundation, Lifeforce in Later Years (LiLY), Pause for Peace, and Wonderama TV in Times Square.

Q’s sizzling 6 CDs are available on iTunes. Her latest recording The Heat Is On! Will be released in January 2025 not only on all online platforms but on cd and vinyl as well for preorders visit www.QuinnLemley.com .

“Secrets of the Stage” is produced by Quinn Lemley and Co-Produced by Errol Rappaport for QuinnEssential Productions, LLC.

Secrets of The Stage with Quinn Lemley about lifestyle & entertainment. Airs Every Sundayon www.MNN.org Channel 4 at 7:30 PM EST or subscribe at www.QuinnLemley.com