I've heard that the hecklers plan to seek monetary compensation from Michael Richards. However, what exactly did Michael Richards do that was illegal? I don't agree with his racist outburst, but we still have something called the First Amendment. Also, I have to say that I don't have any sympathy for the hecklers, since if they didn't like Richards' performance, they should have politely left instead of heckling him. If anything, they provoked him.
2006-12-05 03:00:40 · 20 answers · asked by tangerine 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Arkie Boi is right on target. This whole situation has been blown out of proportion. Now, does any black who saw the clip on televison have the right to sue?
We had the leader of the New Black Panthers come into town raising hell about the shooting of a black, drunk, drug dealer on the grounds of an elementary school. He and his thugs came just to stir things up. I was one of only two whites there and he called the cops 'crackas'. I should be able to sue him, correct?
Blacks are ten times more racist than any other ethnic group. They are going to use one word until the end of time as an excuse to get money for nothing. As an excuse to sponge off the government. As an excuse to deal drugs. 'Hey, da man ain't givin' me no chance to get ahead'
My solution for the immigration problem. Compare poor blacks as opposed to poor Mexicans. The Mexicans who are uneducated WANT to work and they work hard. The blacks prefer to sit around and *****. How about switching cultures?
Send the uneducated blacks to Mexico and let the Mexicans come here. This includes uneducated whites who also sponge off the government and watch nascar all day.
At least the Mexicans are family oriented, polite and try to make a living for their families. It's time Michael Richards quits groveling. Makes it worse for everyone else. More eggshells to walk on....god forbid we should offend anyone.
2006-12-06 00:23:33 · answer #1 · answered by FieldMouse 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
On the grounds that some fast talking lawyer who heard about the case on the news convinced them that they a, should sue and b, had a chance of winning.
Hecklers are something every performer has to deal with from time to time. If they can't handle it then maybe they should be in a different business. I'm not trying to excuse what Richards did but I didn't hear his whole act. It could be that his performance before his outburst really sucked and he deserved to be heckled.
2006-12-05 11:07:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Under the 1st Amendment, he can say whatever he wants.
I think they might be able to sue for their money back from the tickets they purchased for the show, and damages because it ruined their evening. The hecklers have Gloria Allred as their attorney, and she will probably get Edwards to "settle" out of court.
If they sue him for what he said, I think he should sue them for heckling and interfering with his right to work. Of course he won't, because he is too busy trying to salvage his career, and is apologizing to anyone who will listen. Also, words are not considered a legal provocation, and are not valid for any type of misbehavior, so Edwards really doesn't have any grounds there.
2006-12-05 11:09:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't know that the hecklers are seeking criminal charges but they could certainly slap Richards with a civil suit. They could be suing on the grounds of slander or defamation of character. I'm not saying the hecklers will win anything or that they should, but I certainly don't agree that the outburst was necessary.
2006-12-05 11:07:52 · answer #4 · answered by GabesMommy 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress.
Richards stepped over the line by talking about lynchings and hanging n-----rs at the end of the rope, in a public forum.
This is not a crime, but it is a personal injury for which damages can be sought in a civil court.
2006-12-05 11:12:49 · answer #5 · answered by Jack C 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Their lawyers will probably opt for defamation, psychological trauma, or even violations of their civil rights. Unfortunately, they will also have to show that the attitude was deep-seated, and that the outburst was either premeditated or intended to cause one of the above. That would be very hard to do, and it would cost mucho dinero. B.
2006-12-05 11:14:44 · answer #6 · answered by Brian M 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you; but it seems as though you can sue for anything these days. What about that dumbass that sued McD's and WON for spilling hot coffee on herself? What did she expect; for it to be cold??
I hope these fools sue and lose. And then have to pay court fees. Maybe Richards should apoligize ONE more time; sign them an 8x10 and get on with their lives.
If that frenzy wasn't recorded, this wouldn't be such a big deal. He was wrong to do it, but there was no physical abuse or altercation. Enough said.
2006-12-05 11:08:59 · answer #7 · answered by Joe Somebody 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Their grounds are greed, plain and simple. Who knows maybe they heckled him on purpose with the intent of him saying something offensive enough to sue. This country makes me sick.. racism and suing... oh the shame.
2006-12-05 11:10:05 · answer #8 · answered by two_kee_kees 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Cosmo will settle this in order to salvage the remains of his career.
Any legal footing for this particular lawsuit?
I'd like to think a judge would toss it immediately.
2006-12-05 11:19:35 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
None, they started by heckling him. Just more black extortion from someone with money. If I was Kramer I would tell them they are the N word times 10 and to FK off.
2006-12-05 11:09:45 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋