Crying Over 'Boys' Portrayal

11/19/1998 at 12:00 AM EST

The independent film "Boys Don't Cry," inspired by the story of Teena Brandon, a Nebraska woman who was murdered after she impersonated a man, is the subject of a lawsuit brought by one of the drama's real-life players. Lana Tisdel, Brandon's onetime girlfriend, has filed suit against Fox Searchlight and the producers of the film for invasion of privacy, along with the unauthorized use of her name and likeness, according to the Hollywood Reporter. (Tisdel is portrayed by Chloë Sevigny in the film.) Fox has yet to comment on the suit. The film has been praised by critics, and both Hilary Swank, who portrays Brandon, and Sevigny have received Golden Globe nominations for their work in the film.