Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Cameraman Donald Anderson filed an amended version of his lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment and WWE performer Thaddeus "Titus O'Neil" Bullard, alleging he was injured by Bullard after the WWE star became upset while being filmed for a segment on WWE Network prank series Swerved, adding arguments obviously designed to try and prevent WWE from arguing that they were not under the court's jurisdiction. The amended lawsuit, filed on 5/1 used quotes from Paul Levesque and WWE Executive John Saboor about the importance of the WWE Performance Center in Florida, attempting to use those comments in order to prove that WWE would indeed fall under the court's jurisdiction as they do business regularly in the Sunshine State.
As previously reported on PWInsider.com, Anderson (who had been hired through a third party production company) 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.
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 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.
Anderson is alleging 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 alleges 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 claims 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 alleges 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.
Anderson is suing both Bullard and WWE for Battery, Assault, Willful Misconduct, Negligence, Gross Negligence, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress and Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress, 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."
The court has thrown out WWE's previous motion arguing they would not be under the jurisdiction of the court, informing WWE they can file a new motion in response to the latest amended lawsuit.
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.
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
