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Fortune, TMZ

Why a Drug Kingpin Is Demanding $1 Billion From Netflix

Jul 8, 2016  •  Post A Comment

A real-world drug kingpin says Netflix owes him $1 billion, along with what sounds like final cut on the Netflix series “Narcos.” The series, which has been a hit for the streaming service, is due to roll out its second season next month.

Fortune reports that the show, which chronicles the life of Medellin Cartel boss Pablo Escobar, caught the attention of Escobar’s brother Roberto, who did the books for the cartel and reportedly led its assassination squad. Roberto Escobar wants $1 billion for the rights to his family’s story.

Roberto Escobar sent a letter to Netflix, which was published by TMZ. In it, he asks that Netflix not release “Narcos” and requests the right to review the program. He also writes: “In the first season of Narcos, there were mistakes, lies and discrepancies from the real story, the story that I not only was part of making, but that I survived from.”

Escobar indicates that he has co-founded the company Escobar Inc. and has registered the rights to Escobar and Pablo Escobar in the state of California.

The letter, which Escobar calls a “friendly request for co-operation,” adds: “My brother would not have liked season 1, maybe he will enjoy season 2 if you respond me and we solve this issues.”

Fortune notes that one issue that may be of particular concern to Roberto Escobar is the show’s portrayal of the cartel’s accountant. In the series, the report notes, the accountant, who is not portrayed as Pablo’s brother, gets fired and later claims to be a CIA informant. Meanwhile, Roberto Escobar does not show up in the series.

Pablo Escobar was shot and killed by Colombian police in 1993.

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