Bret Michaels, Tony Awards settle lawsuit over 2009 injuries
Bret Michaels and the Tony Awards have settled a dispute over injuries he suffered during the show’s 2009 broadcast — including a blow to the head he claimed contributed to a life-threatening brain hemorrhage he suffered 10 months later.
The lawsuit, filed by the rocker and “Celebrity Apprentice” winner in March 2011 against the Tony Awards, CBS and several other defendants, was settled last week via confidential mediation, Culture Monster reported Monday. Michaels had filed originally for unspecified damages.
During the June 7, 2009, awards show, Michaels performed “Nothin’ But a Good Time” with his band, Poison, and the cast of the Tony-nominated musical “Rock of Ages.” As the singer left the stage, a piece of descending scenery hit him and knocked him to the ground. He suffered a blow to the head as well as a fractured nose and busted lip — pictures of which he posted online — and video of the incident quickly went viral.
In the weeks following, the rocker had to cancel several concerts that had been scheduled before the Tony Awards accident.
“Michaels was never told that the scenery piece would be descending or given any warning of the existence of the dangers it presented,” the lawsuit claimed. “Quite the opposite, Michaels specifically asked for instructions regarding how to exit after his performance and was told to walk off the rear of the stage — in what was ultimately the danger zone.”
Tonys spokesmen initially blamed Michaels publicly, according to the suit, saying he’d “missed his mark.” The awards show and CBS are reportedly covered by the settlement.
Earlier this month, Michaels thanked the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix for saving his live, posting the video below as part of the facility’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Last October, he announced a donation to fund a “warm and hip” hospitality and music room at Barrow, to be used by patients’ family members.
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