Remember that behind the heart-pounding action sequences of our favorite TV shows lies meticulous planning and safety measures. However, accidents can still happen, leading to legal battles. Today, we delve into the ongoing lawsuit between actor Kenny Johnson and Sony Pictures regarding a 2018 injury sustained on the set of the hit CBS drama S.W.A.T.
“Helicopter Stunt Gone Wrong”: The Allegations Behind the Lawsuit
Kenny Johnson, known for his role as Officer Dominique Luca in S.W.A.T., filed a lawsuit against Sony Pictures Television, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Topanga Productions in 2020. The lawsuit stems from an injury he allegedly suffered while filming a scene involving a helicopter.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on July 18, 2018. Johnson claims he was asked to perform a stunt where he simulated being pulled through the air while hanging from the landing gear of a helicopter. The lawsuit alleges that Johnson was subjected to “unreasonable danger and injury” during filming.
Further details paint a concerning picture. Johnson reportedly enjoyed good physical health before the accident, but the lawsuit claims he sustained significant injuries, impacting his “health, strength, and activity.” It mentions shock and injury to his nervous system, raising questions about the execution and safety protocols surrounding the stunt.
Beyond the Stunt: Unveiling the Legal Arguments
The lawsuit, as reported by My News LA in 2020, accuses the defendants of:
- Negligence: This implies a failure to provide a safe work environment and adhere to proper safety measures.
- Ultrahazardous Activity: This legal concept applies to activities that inherently carry a high risk of serious injury or death.
- Peculiar Risk: This refers to a specific risk associated with a particular activity that the employer should have foreseen and taken steps to mitigate.
Additionally, Johnson’s wife, Cathleen, filed a separate claim for “loss of consortium,” which signifies a loss of the benefits of a marital relationship due to the injury.
However, the story takes a turn as Sony Pictures fights back.
Sony Pictures Countersues: Shifting Blame and Raising Questions
In July 2022, two years after Johnson’s initial lawsuit, Sony Pictures Television and Sony Pictures Entertainment filed a counter-motion seeking dismissal of the case. Their primary argument rests on the claim that they were not directly involved in planning or providing the equipment used in the stunt.
Sony’s defense further claims that they lacked control over Johnson’s work on the S.W.A.T. set. Their attorneys contend that the issue falls under workers’ compensation, as Topanga Productions, a separate entity, handled Johnson’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Another point of contention centers around the alleged severity of the stunt. Sony claims Johnson was not hanging from a great height, but rather positioned on a 12-inch platform just a few feet above cushioned pads.
Furthermore, sworn declarations from Sony executives attempt to distance themselves from responsibility. Adam Moos, Sony Pictures TV’s senior vice president for production, states that Topanga was the primary entity overseeing safety on the S.W.A.T. set. Similarly, Jonathan Boyer, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s director of production safety, clarifies that his department does not have oversight over every stunt in all Sony productions.
The Current Status and Unanswered Questions
As of October 2024, the legal battle remains unresolved. Here are some key questions the case raises:
- The Extent of Involvement: To what degree were Sony Pictures entities involved in the planning and execution of the stunt?
- Safety Measures: Did the stunt adhere to industry safety standards for such maneuvers? Were there any safety lapses that contributed to the alleged injuries?
- Severity of Injuries: The differing accounts of the stunt’s intensity and the extent of Johnson’s injuries present a point of contention that the court will need to address.
While Johnson continues as a main cast member on S.W.A.T. with the show’s sixth season premiering in October 2024, the legal proceedings will likely take time to reach a conclusion. The outcome of this case could have implications for stunt safety protocols and liability in the entertainment industry.
