Ask Jerry
Celebrity Consent Needed?
Asked by Jonathan Kaufman on April 9, 2020
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for all your help. I am learning a tremendous amount.
One of the characters in my novel has important dealings with a real-life celebrity (actually his manager). The celebrity is presented in a positive light. Do you recommend that I seek the celebrity's permission?
Thank you,
Jonathan
Jerry's Answer
Jonathan, that has danger written all over it. A real person is not only going to care that he's shown in a good light, but if you quote him, he's going to want to control every word. I would.
Why not just invent a character like him? Then you can have him do whatever you want.