In July 2020, actor Kenny Johnson, known for his role as Officer Dominique Luca on CBS’s S.W.A.T., filed a lawsuit against Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., Sony Pictures Television Inc., and Topanga Productions Inc. The lawsuit stems from an incident on July 18, 2018, during the filming of a helicopter stunt on the S.W.A.T. set. Johnson alleges that he was “unreasonably exposed to danger and injury” while simulating being pulled through the air while hanging onto the landing gear of a helicopter. The suit claims negligence, ultrahazardous activity, and peculiar risk.
Sony’s Defense and Motion to Dismiss
Sony entities are seeking the dismissal of the lawsuit, arguing that they were not involved in the coordination or execution of the stunt. In court documents, defense attorneys assert that Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television did not provide the equipment used in the stunt, nor did they participate in its design or coordination. They also claim that these entities did not have control over Johnson’s work during the production of S.W.A.T..
Additionally, Topanga Productions, the production company responsible for the S.W.A.T. series, provided Johnson’s workers’ compensation insurance. Sony’s legal team argues that any claims related to workplace injury should be addressed through the workers’ compensation system rather than through a lawsuit.
Details of the Incident
According to the lawsuit, Johnson was in good physical health prior to the incident. During the filming, he was to simulate being pulled through the air while hanging onto the landing gear of a helicopter. The suit alleges that this stunt exposed him to unreasonable risk, resulting in injuries affecting his health, strength, and nervous system. Johnson’s wife, Cathleen, also filed a claim for loss of consortium.
In their defense, Sony entities emphasize that they were not responsible for overseeing the safety of the stunt. Jonathan Boyer, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s director of production safety, stated that his department does not oversee every stunt on every production. Instead, their role is to provide safety recommendations.
Adam Moos, Senior Vice President for Production at Sony Pictures Television, further clarified that Topanga Productions was solely responsible for safety on the S.W.A.T. set. Moos stated that Topanga implemented safety programs and undertook to provide a safe working environment.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
A hearing on the defense’s motion to dismiss Johnson’s case is scheduled for October 12, before Judge Daniel M. Crowley. The outcome of this hearing will determine whether the lawsuit proceeds or is dismissed.
Conclusion
The legal battle between Kenny Johnson and Sony entities highlights the complexities of responsibility and safety on film sets. As the hearing date approaches, the entertainment industry and its professionals await the court’s decision, which could have implications for future productions and safety protocols.
