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The lawsuit brought against World Wrestling Entertainment and WWE performer Thaddeus "Titus O'Neil" Bullard by cameraman Donald Anderson, who has alleged he was injured by Bullard was filed once against Bullard on 4/13, this time in his home State of Florida. Anderson had previously attempted to file the lawsuit in the State of California, where he resides, but Bullard was successful in lobbying for the case to be transferred to the Sunshine State.
Anderson's new 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.
In the suit, Anderson, who had been hired to work as a cameraman filming for the WWE Network's Jackass-inspired reality series Swerved by third-party production company Uranus Productions, alleges that he was physically attacked by Bullard and was placed in an unsafe working environment by WWE when they had a duty to protect him from being placed in that situation.
According to the lawsuit, Anderson was filming a segment in May 2015 that featured WWE talent Paige shocking Bullard with an electric shock stick. The complaint alleges that Bullard became enraged over it and went after Anderson in response, running up to him and kicking a video camera out of his hand. The assault allegedly lead to injuries on Anderson's hand, wrist and fingers to the point he could not work for six months. In the lawsuit, Anderson claimed the episode has been viewed over 2,700,000 times and counting.
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."
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 lawsuit originally filed in California had alleged that Anderson had faced medical bills in excess of $150,000. The lawsuit filed in Florida does not make mention of that allegation.
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.
WWE filed a motion requesting an extension to respond on 4/20, which was granted. WWE has until 4/27 to respond.
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