The Gucci heirs have criticised the film House of Gucci for depicting members of the family as “hooligans”. Lady Gaga portrays Patrizia Reggiani, who was convicted of having her former husband, fashion heir Maurizio Gucci, assassinated.
Italian News Agency Ansa published a letter sent by the family in which they say they were portrayed in ‘House of Gucci‘ as “ignorant”. Alongside Lady Gaga, the film stars Al Pacino, Jared Leto and Adam Driver.
“The Gucci family reserve the right to take every initiative to protect their name and image, and those of their loved ones,” the letter read.
They added that Aldo Gucci (played by Pacino), company chairman from 1953 to 1986, and other relatives were portrayed “as thugs, ignorant and insensitive to the world around them, attributing to the protagonists [and] events, a tone and an attitude that never belonged to them.
“This is extremely painful… and an insult to the legacy on which the brand is built today.”
Raggiani shown as victim
The family take particular offence to the depiction of Reggiani. They say she “is portrayed not just in the film, but also in statements from cast members, as a victim trying to survive in a male and male chauvinist corporate culture”.
“This couldn’t be further from the truth,” the statement continued. The family describe the business when they were at the helm as “an inclusive company”.
Mixed reviews from critics
The Gucci family are no longer connected with the fashion house. French group Kering, currently own the fashion brand.
As it stands, the family are not taking legal action against the film and its producers.
The film, based on The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed by Sara Gay Forden, received mixed reviews from critics. It is due for release in Italy on 16th December.
