A Michigan man who suffers from a rare genetic disorder filed a lawsuit against TNT analyst Shaquille O'Neal, who mocked the man in a photo posted on Instagram . The complainant, Jahmel Binion, listed a number of allegations, including infliction of emotional distress and defamation, against O'Neal.
The Detroit Free Press reported Binion filed a lawsuit Wednesday against O'Neal , Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke and rapper Waka Flocka because the trio took turns mocking him on social media. The complaint seeks more than $25,000 in damages for the "offensive communications," which the lawsuit contends provide legal grounds to sue for invasion of privacy, general negligence, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Binion has a rare genetic disorder called ectodermal dysplasia. The disorder can affect a person's physical appearance and cause health complications. For Binion, the disorder causes him not sweat and has affected his hair and teeth. The malady also is potentially life threatening -- if Binion overheats and cannot cool down, he could suffer a heat stroke.
"The defendants' communications clearly implied that the plaintiff was an appropriate object of mockery, ridicule and shame," the lawsuit reads. "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. The defendants' communications were false because the plaintiff's medical condition is not an appropriate reason for mockery, ridicule and shame."
"I was thinking, 'Man, he's supposed to be this role model, someone everyone is supposed to look up to.'" Binion said in May, via the New York Daily News.
O'Neal apologized shortly after posting the Instagram photo, shown below, earlier this year.
"Made a new friend today when I called and apologized to Jahmel Binion," Shaq tweeted, according to the Daily News. "Great dude. #alwayslearning #MYBADCUZ"
A Utah Jazz spokesperson said Burke had also apologized to Binion; it's uncertain whether Waka Flocka reached out.
