Hallivis sues Amazon, Vice over docuseries defamation

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- Julio Hallivis filed a defamation complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court against Amazon Studios, Vice Studios, and director Rebecca Chaikin over the “Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam” docuseries.
- Hallivis asserts he had no role in Zach Horwitz's $650 million Ponzi scheme, never acted as a bookkeeper for 1inMM Capital, and learned of any illegality only after Horwitz’s arrest.
- The lawsuit argues Hallivis is a private figure for defamation, citing his refusal to be interviewed and lack of public statements about the scheme or series.
- The docuseries is slated to premiere in October 2025, and Hallivis seeks damages for reputational harm, personal suffering, and lost earnings.
Why it matters: Hallivis stands to gain monetary compensation; Amazon and Vice face costly litigation and reputational fallout, prompting tighter vetting of private individuals in future docuseries industry.




