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An attempt by WWE performer Thaddeus Bullard (professionally known as Titus O'Neil) to have the lawsuit brought against him thrown out was denied on 10/12 after an amended lawsuit was filed. The plaintiff, cameraman Donald Anderson, alleges he was injured by Bullard. The court tossed Bullard's request out, declaring it moot due to the amended complaint.
The amended lawsuit, seeking $1.2 million in damages, now lists World Wrestling Entertainment as a defendant. The original lawsuit listed only Bullard and 1-300 "John Does" as the defendants.
In the suit, Anderson (who had been hired by a production company to film content) alleges he was placed into an unsafe environment and was physically attacked by Bullard while filming content for Swerved, WWE Network's Jackass-inspired reality series. The incident in question that Anderson was filming saw WWE talent Paige shocking Bullard with an electric shock stick. The complaint alleges that Bullard became enraged and went after Anderson, kicking a video camera out of his hand, leading to injuries on his hand, wrist and fingers to the point he could not work for six months. Anderson also claims in the suit that he was instructed to leave the scene out of fear that O'Neil might go after him again and was "whisked" from the scene.
Anderson is suing each defendant for Battery, Assault, Willful Misconduct, Negligence, Gross Negligence, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress and Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress, claiming that he was out of work for six months and has faced medical bills in excess of $150,000.
WWE discontinued the Swerved reality series after a second season. The first season, where the alleged incident took place, saw WWE performers pranking each other. The season season saw a slight change in the concept of the show, as performers were now pranking other parties, including fans.
As previously reported on PWInsider.com, Bullard had been attempting to get the lawsuit moved to either Florida (where he resides and WWE has a far larger connection from a business standpoint) or to Virginia (where the alleged incident in question took place there), citing they would be a more suitable venue for the case to be heard. The amended lawsuit attempts to shoot that argument down, listing 23 examples of Bullard working in the State, including giving a TED Talk and having business meetings, and numerous examples of WWE holding events in the Golden State.
Bullard signed to a developmental deal with WWE in 2009 and was called up to the main roster in 2012.
As a new defendant, WWE has 21 days to respond to the lawsuit.
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