

The judge added that Rozier “did not simply replicate” Ghost Fask.
#Terry rozier sacrifire serial#
Here, Judge Matsumoto stressed, Ghost Face “was licensed for use in the Scream films, in which it was worn by a serial killer and was instilled with meaning beyond a Halloween ghost costume.” In contrast, Rozier’s “use of the Scream mask to create a humorous embodiment of an NBA basketball player who was known as a ‘killer’ scorer further transformed the Ghost Face mask with new meaning, expression and messaging.” A claim of copyright infringement will fail when the copying was fair use. Judge Matsumoto agreed, mainly due to the principle of “fair use,” wherein a defendant’s copying reveals a different purpose from that of the creator. Rozier, moreover, fully admitted that Scary Terry draws from Ghost Face and pays homage to one his favorite movies as a kid. Advertisements for Scary Terry made no mention of Scream.Įaster produced evidence of ownership of a valid copyright and unauthorized copying by Rozier. Rozier, who played a key role in the Celtics’ unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals later that postseason, would go on to earn about $150,000 in gross sales revenue from Scary Terry clothing, which was sold through Barstool Sports and other vendors. He had an image of Ghost Face tattooed on his arm in 2017, Rozier told GQ’s Clay Skipper. In court documents, Rozier’s attorneys explained that Scream was “very important to him” and its “mix of violence and humor provided solace and escapism in a childhood surrounded by violence.’” Rozier’s fandom of Scream, which spawned Scream 2, Scream 3, Scream 4 and the planned 2022 reboot-dubbed Scream-continued into adulthood.

Judge Matsumoto explained that Rozier “made this request for sentimental reasons,” including the affection he had for the film as a child. He was heavily involved in the design of “Scary Terry,” even hiring a mural artist to create the cartoon figure of Rozier wearing his Celtics #11 jersey and the Ghost Face mask. Rozier sought to quickly capitalize on his newfound fame, marketing a line of T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts inspired by his nickname. Rozier’s ‘dangerous’ ability to score supposedly instilled in his opponents.” It also embodied Rozier’s “love for scary movies, and what they meant his own story.” For one, “it was intended to humorously invoke the fear that Mr. At some point, Boston fans and media began to routinely call him Scary Terry, a nickname that Terry said began to gain traction after his game-winning steal and dunk against the Indiana Pacers in December 2017.Īs Judge Matsumoto explained in her opinion, the nickname reflected several dynamics. Aided by swagger and confidence, he became something of a folk hero in New England. Rozier, who is represented by attorneys Patrick Kabat and Paul Safier in the litigation, continued to exceed expectations.

Rozier,” Judge Matsumoto wrote in her 85-page ruling, “became the first NBA player since the 1970-71 season to earn a triple-double in his first career start.” 31, 2018, when the Celtics played the New York Knicks. Rozier landed his first career start on Jan. Rozier, a Celtics first-round pick in 2015, was a backup to Kyrie Irving in January 2018 when Irving went down with a season-ending knee injury. More than a century after Munch’s artistic talents drew him fame, Rozier’s basketball artistry transformed him into a household name-at least for about six months in the Greater Boston area. Easter argues it hired a Hong Kong-based sculptor to create the mask, while Rozier contends a separate studio had earlier developed the “Wailer” mask and, as Judge Matsumoto observed, Wailer and Ghost Face “bear far more than a passing resemblance.” While the two sides debate its origin, Ghost Face and others like it are clearly inspired by Edvard Munch’s 1893 “ The Scream” painting. The two sides tell different tales about Ghost Face’s original author.
