Producer Ryan Murphy has responded to the criticism from the Versace family after they referred to his anothology drama titled "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" a work of fiction.
Murphy defended his work, saying it is largely based on the book of author and journalist Maureen Orth called "Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History."
"We issued a statement saying that this story is based on Maureen Orth's book, which is a very celebrated, lauded work of non-fiction that was vetted now for close to 20 years," Murphy said in an interview with Variety "That's really all I have to say about it, other than of course I feel if you're family is ever portrayed in something, it's natural to sort of have a 'Well, let's wait and see what happens' [stance]."
Murphy also pointed out that the vice president and chief designer of the Versace Group, Donatella Versace made a complimentary gesture towards one of the drama anthology's cast members, Penelope Cruz, who portrays her character in the series. The producer also said that if Donatella were to watch the show, she would see that the team behind it treats the Versace family with kindness and respect adding that Cruz would never do something to represent her in a negative light.
In a previous statement issued via The Hollywood Reporter, the Versace family said that they did not have any involvement in the production of the drama anthology about the death of Gianni adding that it was not authorized by them and should be taken as a work of fiction.
The show's executive producer Brad Simpson also responded to the statement saying that the series was indeed not authorized and that they did not make any pretense at it being authorized. Simpson added that they are telling the story of all the lives that were affected by the murders of Andrew Cunanan and not just of Gianni Versace.
