Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
WWE performer Thaddeus "Titus O'Neil" Bullard responded to claims brought against him and officially filed a counter-suit against cameraman Donald Anderson on 6/19 in the United States District Court For the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division.
Anderson has an ongoing lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment and Bullard, suing for Battery, Assault, Willful Misconduct, Negligence, Gross Negligence, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress and Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress, "alleging he was injured by Bullard after the WWE star became upset while being filmed for a segment on WWE Network prank series Swerved.
Anderson (who had been hired through a third party, Uranus Productions) was backstage filming a segment where Bullard was shocked by WWE performer Paige. Bullard became, according to the lawsuit, "enraged", alleging charging and kicking the camera out of Anderson's hand, injuring him. As you might imagine, Bullard has denied those allegations in his response to Anderson's lawsuit.
Anderson alleged that WWE placed him in an unsafe working environment and that they had a duty to protect him from being placed in such a situation. Anderson claims in the suit that Uranus Productions were told that WWE, "would select their own representatives to organize, manage and direct the electric shock prank activity. Consequently, WWE undertook the job of selecting specific WWE personalities as targets, on which to use the electric shock device." So, he is placing all the blame for the incident taking place on WWE's shoulders. Anderson also claimed in the suit that he was instructed by WWE that he was "not safe on the premises", that Bullard "could not be controlled" and would presenting an "ongoing threat" to Anderson. Anderson claims he was instructed to leave the WWE venue out of fear that O'Neil might go after him again and was "whisked" away.
The lawsuit also alleged that Bullard "was known by WWE as possessing significant anger management issues" and that Bullard's alleged assault lead to injuries on Anderson's hand, wrist and fingers to the point he could not work for six months. In the lawsuit, Anderson claiming that he has faced "bodily injury, pain and suffering, mental anguish, extreme emotional distress, disfigurement, medical expenses, physical handicap, loss of income, loss of the capacity for enjoyment of life and loss of ability to earn money
In the response filed on 6/19, Bullard stated he "acted out of necessity to prevent being assaulted" again by the cattle prod during the prank and that he "did not create the danger to be avoided and stopped his action when the danger was gone." Bullard also stated that Anderson "knowingly and voluntarily assumed the risk when he intentionally conspired, planned and participated" to "film/record the assault and battery" of Bullard with the cattle prod. The response also stated that Bullard "used reasonable force that was not greater than necessary to end the threat of being cattle prodded repeatedly." Bullard is also arguing that any damages to Anderson were caused by his employer, Uranus Productions and that he should be covered by workman's compensation through them. Bullard is also arguing that since Anderson conspired with Uranus to assault him with the cattle prod, he should be barred from bringing any claims against Bullard.
Bullard's counter-suit is in the amount of $15,000, the same amount that Anderson is suing him. Anderson's lawsuit is seeking in excess of $15,000 in damages as well as whatever punitive damages the Sixth Judicial Court of Pasco County, Florida may rule Anderson deserves, should they rule in his favor. The original lawsuit filed by Anderson in California had sought $1.2 million in damages and cited that Anderson allegedly faced medical bills in excess of $150,000. The lawsuit filed in Florida has not made any mention of that allegation since the case was transferred to the Sunshine State.
Bullard counter-suit against Anderson alleges conspiracy to commit battery, conspiracy to commit assault, negligence, gross negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress.
In his suit, Bullard contends that Anderson was hired by Uranus Productions, who were hired to develop the Swerved TV series for WWE and "were responsible for generating storylines for each episode and for handling all aspects of physical production." Bullard's lawsuit states that WWE "contractually retained all authority over all significant creative aspects" of the series and had to approve each prank.
However, Bullard alleges he was assaulted with the cattle prod "unbeknownst to WWE" in the scene Anderson filmed. In his counter-suit, Bullard included material showing that the prank was not included on a list of sketches and pranks approved for the episode by Brian Terwillinger, at the time the WWE Vice President of Development. Bullard also alleges that Uranus Productions, including Anderson, "intentionally directed" Saraya Jade-Bevis (Paige) to assault him with the cattle prod without any concern for his well-being. Bullard also states that at no time did he "consent or otherwise approve of the wrongful, malicious acts" against him.
In the counter-suit, Bullard alleges that Anderson filmed Bullard being "harmed in an offensive and reckless" way, he suffered harmful, offensive, reckless and intentional contact that he did not consent to and was injured and suffered damages, including and not limited to bodily injury, pain and suffering and mental anguish." Bullard alleged that Anderson should have known that the stunt would have caused severe and serious injury to Bullard but was negligent and disregarded Bullard's safety.
Bullard noted he is reserving the right to sue Uranus Productions at a later time and has requested a jury trial.
A mediation meeting, attempting to bring an end to the two lawsuits, is currently scheduled for January 2019. If the parties are not able to come to terms, they will go to trial at a date yet to be announced by the court.
WWE discontinued the Swerved reality series after itd second season. The first season, where the alleged incident took place, saw WWE performers pranking each other. The second season brought a slight change in the concept of the show, as WWE performers were now pranking other parties, including fans.
Bullard signed to a developmental deal with WWE in 2009 and was called up to the main roster in 2012. He currently leads the Titus Worldwide stable on the Raw brand and has been heavily involved in countless community outreach and charitable programs as part of his association with WWE as well as on his own in his local community.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
