Shaquille O'Neal Sued: Warren, Michigan Man Files Lawsuit Against Celebrities for Twitter Mocking
A man from Warren, Michigan is suing several celebrities for mocking him on social media.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Jahmel Binion filed a lawsuit Wednesday against former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, as well as NBA player Trey Burke and rap artist Wacka Flocka Flame. He is seeking 25,000 in damages due to the emotional stress caused by the celebs' internet teasing.
Binion's case made headlines earlier in May when Shaquille O'Neal posted an offensive pic on Instagram, making fun of Binion's physical appearance. Binion has a rare genetic disorder known as ectodermal dysplasia, which has harmful effects including sparse hair growth and missing teeth.
Binion's selfie also inspired laughs and mocking posts from Burke and Wacka Flocka among others. According to the lawsuit, the "offensive communications" reached over 8.4 million people worldwide.
"I was thinking 'Man, he's supposed to be this role model, someone everyone is supposed to look up to,'" said Binion about Shaq. He said that Shaq's behavior set a bad example, and would encourage others to think it's okay to poke fun at people's conditions.
Shaq later gave a public apology for his actions on Twitter. He and Burke also called Binion to personally say sorry.
"Made a new friend today when I called and apologized to Jahmel Binion," Shaq wrote. "Great dude. #alwayslearning #MYBADCUZ"
Despite Shaq's apology, Binion's lawsuit labels his actions as an invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation and general negligence.
"The defendants' communications clearly implied that the plaintiff was an appropriate object of mockery, ridicule and shame. The defendants' communications had the effect of lowering the plaintiff's reputation in the eyes of those who respected the views and opinions of the defendants," according to the lawsuit. "The defendants' communications were false because the plaintiff's medical condition is not an appropriate reason for mockery, ridicule and shame," read the lawsuit, as quoted by the Detroit Free Press.
Binion has used his new internet exposure to start an online anti-bullying campaign known as Hug Don't Judge.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of latinpost.com