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Subscribe to RSSA black man who says he suffered emotional distress when he heard a hijacked public address announcement at a Wal-Mart store in New Jersey telling all blacks to leave has filed a lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages from the company.
Donnell Battie says Wal-Mart was negligent, careless and reckless and showed deliberate indifference by failing to properly control access to the P.A. system.
Battie’s lawsuit was first filed in Camden County Superior Court in March. It was moved this week to U.S. District Court in Camden, the New Jersey Law Journal reported Tuesday.
The lawsuit stems from a March 14, 2010, incident at a Wal-Mart in the community of Turnersville in Washington Township, N.J. Shortly before 5 p.m., someone commandeered the store’s public address system and announced: “Attention Wal-Mart customers: All black people leave the store now.”
A store manager quickly went on the intercom system and apologized for the remark, and police were summoned, according to media reports at the time. A 16-year-old was later arrested on harassment and bias intimidation charges.
Battie says he was in the store and contends the announcement led to depression, anxiety, anger, loss of sleep and appetite, paranoia, anti-social tendencies and loss of enjoyment in activities.
Battie's attorney, John Klamo, says Battie had already been getting professional help for previous traumatic incidents.
"Mr. Battie is an individual who has been under care of a doctor for various disabilities dealing with his psychological makeup," Klamo told the Law Journal. He's in Wal-Mart and something of this nature presents its ugly head and it brings up past situations in his life that affected him."
Archive video: Police investigate alleged store P.A. slur
Greg Rossiter, a Wal-Mart spokesman, declined to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit but told msnbc.com:
“We were appalled by this incident and are amazed that anyone could be so backward and mean-spirited in this day and age. We are sorry it happened and apologized at the time to any of our customers and associates who heard it. We updated our intercom system in this store to prevent this from happening in the future.”
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How absurd.Some dumb kid did it?Smack the kid and wal-mart changes its' system .The end. P.S. I have no love for Wal-Mart
hey here is an idea.... get a job you bumb... yea boo hoo somebody said something that made you mad. to bad. go get a job stop looking for hand outs and stupid law suites, so the the system can be open for people that realy need it. Work it isnt actualy a bad 4 letter word
Thomas, your spelling is horrid. Bumb: bum. to: too. suites: suits. You need to go back to school. I hate it when people can't spell while making fun of others.
I agree with Thomas AND Lene. One should always use correct spelling and grammar when criticizing others, even if they deserve harsh criticism.
Lene
I got a lot more out of what Thomas had to say than what you had to say. At least there was a message in his criticism. Yours was just criticism for criticism's sake. That's just plain judgemental and wrong. And a little arrogant. What makes you think we care about what you hate? And in that spirit; I agree Thomas.
I'm gonna sue!
Thomas' horrid spelling & Lene's harsh criticism makes me feel bad.
I think I'll sue Dell for making the computer that was so reckless as to allow me to see those soul-scorching posts.
Are you serious? I can't believe this moron is asking a million dollars for that. Instead of going after the kid who actually DID it he wants his big payoff by going after walmart and for what? A dumb prank. This guy needs to grow a thicker skin, people are going to say and do stupid stuff your whole life, it doesn't mean you get money every time. Just another example of a fool looking for easy pay.
I think a class action suit against Luis Faracon, Al Sharpton, the Black Panthers, the ACLU, the NAACP, Ebony Magazine, BET, The Black College Fund and any other racist organization is in order. I'm tired of coddling whiny invalids and dumbasses because their too ignorant to succeed in life. I absolutely LOVE Herman Cain, Allen West, Colon Powell, Clarence Thomas, Condoleeza Rice and others. I even respect Barack Obama for getting all the way to Potus. I think he is one of the most ignorant men to ever hold that office, but it has nothing to do with his color. The ONLY people making a big deal about Obama's color are liberals and democrats. I could care less what color you are, as long as you understand the fundamentals upon which this great nation was built and strive to support them, not destroy them. Obama does not understand this, neither does Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Barney Frank or the self appointed spokespeople for the "99%". I AM one of the 99% and they DO NOT speak for me. The truth of the matter is that stating you are a liberal is EQUIVALENT with saying you are ignorant. Ignorant of the constitution. Ignorant of what makes this country great. Ignorant of what freedom really is. Ignorant of history and countries that have failed and imploded with Socialist and Communist economic systems. Socialism will never work. It is simply putting the people who own the businesses into political power. It legalizes greed and corruption. At least with Capitalism, you can choose. You can boycott companies you feel are corrupt. You can't boycott the government or who they tell to handle your medical care or who they assign to control the mortgage on your home. This is a dark time in America where ignorance runs rampant and its cool to be a communist/socialist. Free and independent thought is no longer valued and you are mocked for questioning obvious corruption and fraud. An evil cult that teaches hate and wants America to burn is a protected "RACE". How a religion can constitute your race, I still don't understand, but no one questions it. If you do, you're labeled a bigot. If you burn wool, it releases cyanide gas. I'm afraid there is now too much wool over too many eyes and we will all pay the price when the spark of truth sets it all a blaze. Those that are left will finally see the truth, but the casualties will be high.
Any excuse to bring a lawsuit....some people just need to move on and get over it! They are always looking for someway to make a buck!
That's it Roger Hadenuff!
I'm suing you for your comment making me laugh while drinking a glass of water! Water squirting out of my nose at your comment has permanently scarred my mind and decreased my productivity by making me have to clean my keyboard costing me untold fractions of pennies in lost revenue!
Why aren't there any whites filing lawsuits based on the trauma of the incident? Were there only unstable blacks in the store on that occasion?
After all, he admits he was wacko before the incident. And it only took him over two years to decide he was affected.
It was a very ignorant and thoughtless thing for someone to say about any race. God made all of us and none of us are perfect, so for one race to try and be above another is to say they are in his place.
There are idiots everywhere, but something like that is a) not worth a lawsuit, and b) DEFINITELY not worth $1MILLION!! You have got to be kidding. If you are that fragile you should be locked up - that's just the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. The attorney who is representing that guy should be ashamed of himself and laughed right out of court. At his expense, not his client's. Our country is going to hell because of this kind of activity and sense of entitlement and the belief that people were ever promised that life would be fair, kind, etc. No one can promise that EVER because there are just too many people in the world and we are all different and have different thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Adapt.
what you mean was god made everyone but gays right?
Trinity, i'm stunned you have the mental ability to know how to even turn your computer on. That said, if a member of the Wal-Mart's staff who had done it and ment it then he would have a case. He's just a money hungry greedy jerkoff looking for a easy pay out, he won't get a penny.
Is New Jersey a "Loser Pays" state? Why should Walmart have to fit the bill to defend this obviously frivilous lawsuit?
If you are that fragile, maybe you shouldn't be out in public! $1 million? Really? Ridiculous!!!!
He might be fragile, but at least he was smart enough to sue Wal-Mart instead of the idiot who actually was responsible for the insult .... and probably has $6.83 in his pocket and another $129 in his checking account.
I wish I had $129.00 in my checking account......
If you are that fragile, maybe you shouldn't go out in public! $1 million? Really? Ridiculous!!!
I'm not usually one to call people names.....but what a wuss.
::cough cough:: bull@!$%# suit ::cough:: True it is quit wrong for anyone to do what this dumb 16 yr old kid did, it appears that he was arrested and charged. The company itself was not responsible for what he did. There are phones all through the stores for access by associates to help customers. Perhaps they can consider phone locks of a sort, but as far as suing Wal-Mart, although they have plenty of money, I find it very difficult to believe, that because someone said black people should leave the store...mind you they didn't use the "N" word, thankfully, that this caused all this stress and depression, considering he was already under a doctors care for disabilities due to his previous psycological issues. Sorry but it sounds as though this person is just looking for a payout. I'm not a fan of Walmart, but I am less a fan of bull@!$%# scam lawsuits.
Cathy Little- Well said! Another gold digger!
Lawyers love it!! Why do you think they constantly advertize on TV? Gullible people pad the pockets of the lawyers!!
I been wronged! But, a cool mill will sho' take care o' dat.....
Sounds like Battie's gone batty.
Why not go for it, a white woman sued the pizza place over a chicken bone......
Why not? Have you seen insurance premiums lately?
Scandalous, NOT the same thing. Hardly in the same category. This guy is a real LOON and will get what he deserves, NOTHING.
Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if he won the lawsuit. There will always be people more than willing to take advantage of any given situation, and in our current day and age, it's unfortunately quite easy to do for those that don't have the personal morals to not do so.
That said, though, while I think it's ridiculous to ask for so high an amount, I also think he was wrong to sue WalMart. While the system's breach was permitted due to their lack of proper security (which, come on, it's WalMart - I wouldn't have imagined they'd need it either), if the guy wants to go after someone for the problems that supposedly arose from the incident, sue the kid's parents. He's 16 and a minor, but clearly he learned to act the way he did somewhere - either from his parents sharing his views or because they didn't properly raise him.
To be honest, though, there's little point. There will never be an end to these prejudiced arguments and advantageous "legal" theivery.
How convenience. Very easy money to made. I dont get upset if they call white or hispanic people to get out. Is like it: "I'm still so upset because the romans through the christians to the lions." "The Mayas get kill by the Spaniards and took all their treasure". Please, please, let your complex behind. Get an education and go forward. It's only history.
Seriously? This just goes to show you how horrible people are becoming as human beings. There is no hope for us if this guy gets ANYTHING out of crappy Walmart.
It looks like this guy's attorney is looking for a way to make some quick cash off of his clients mental disabilities. If this situtation had been so traumatic, then why aren't all the other Black people in the store at the time sueing ? I'm sure Donnell Battie couldn't have been the only Black person in the store.
Oh no!! Now comes Al Sharpton!!
And the problem with that is.....Cause last time I checked this was a border-line hate crime and to sit here and have you people (i.e.Whites) down-play it to just a silly stunt is not going to happen. And you think we're the problem??? When was the last time any of you on here were called out of your name and you took as some silly stunt? Didn't think so!!!!
Lawyers, Politicians and now this greedy bum. That's whats wrong with this country. Maybe Ill sue Francis Ford Coppola because the Godfather has made me lose sleep and my appetite over it's negative message regarding Italian Americans! Then Ill hit HBO next over the Sopranos!
Well Will, why isn't he suing the white kid or the white kids parents? Oh thats riiiigt, cause they don't have any money. Instead he sue's Wal-Mart hurting the future of EVERYONE that works their INCLUDING the numerous BLACK employees.
Boy folks Will is a real smart one isn't he? *sarcasm*
Oh yea and Will Cousin I am of Italian decent and I get called all kinds of slurs not by malice but by ignorance people actrually think it is funny to make ethnic referances and think because Im Italian and its quoting some movie or TV show that it is ok and they do not see the hate behind their comments. I am asked at least once a week if any of my family is in the mob. I do not complain but I guarentee you, that Italians get the most ribbing of all the ethnic groups because they never complain about it or sue over it and we never will, because people are just ignorant and it doesn't give me or anyone the right to sue and get rich off it!
OK will...cuz people only call out black people, right? did you hear about that illegal immigrant who got beat down by border patrol at the Texas-Mexico border and died? his family didn't sue! and he got beat to death...the guy who is suing is being a b.i.o.t.c.h and acting like this messed him up.how does that make sense? was he the only black guy in walmart at the time? please...black people were oppressed. we get it. so was EVERY other race out there...pick an ethnicity/race and you will find some crazy oppressive event in their history, and i can guarantee you that it was worse than telling all of them to leave.
the guy who is suing is a cry baby, lazy, broke, person trying to make a living of something stupid. i hope he gets nothing but a scoff and a kick on the butt.
In the end times:
For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.-2 Timothy 3:2
That describes the last 2 thousand years, I think...
Great Bible Quote Krystal
There are Stupid all over but to Sue over something like this is dumber than the stunt ...
Just goes to show you that you have racist tendencies...And so sorry to inform you, but it wasn't just a stunt, it was border-line hate-speech directed to a particular group of people!
Get over it - it was one stupid comment made by one foolish teenager who probably did it on a dare or some other ridiculous teenage thing like that. I'm fat, and if I heard that about fat people I would just blow it off and continue on my merry way shopping - I wouldn't get all worked up about it and file some frivolous lawsuit wasting taxpayer money (and yes, the expense of this lawsuit would be passed along to the consumer via price hikes at Walmart). So please - quit babying and enabling idiots like this. Time for everyone to just grow a pair.
it was a stunt...your being dramatic Will....get over it. Most 16 year olds do mess up, and this said something ignorant and rude, but nothing to cause you to loose sleep at night. he didnt single out the man involved in the lawsuit. what a bunch of cry babies. every one always wants to play the race card. the fact is there are racist people out htere, just like most of the comments Will has made are racist toward white people. idk why people are always trying to blame the man!
@Will, yeah we know, young 16 year old black kids never say or do anything hate related do they? or pull stupid teenage stunts, or do anything hate-crime related. Seems if a kid had gone in there and yelled all Jews out of the store.... you wouldn't have even blinked. Hell I'm just thankful it was no more serious than what could have happened... maybe going postal and shooting at the black customers. Oh and before you lump me in with racist tendencies... I'd say the same thing no matter what color they were.
So when a 16 yr. old black kid does something of this nature then will you guys please be the first to step up and say that it was just a stunt!!! F.O.H!!!!!!!
America is now the country of pussies. Come on we all know that guy isn't distressed. Everyone wants to file a lawsuit. Pathetic
come around my way and see if americans are pussies!!!! you wouldn't last the second you stopped your car!!!!
That's because of the "wonderful" nieghbors in your charming part of town right Will?
Talk about race baiting. This is a completely B.S. lawsuit. Everyone just please grow up.
Will, I would say you are theatening with your 15.1 post. Sounds like a hate crime looking for a place to happen and you put it in your neighborhood or just your hood, whatever... Thank you for showing true racism.
Humm, wonder if he and his "friend" will split the money evenly?
It would be nice if they all would leave. No such luck.
this is crazy, $1M smh, how does a lawyer even consider taking up such a case!!!!!
The consider it because of the payout they would get if they win.
Once again here's someone trying to make a quick buck from a large corporation. It's really pathetic to think that one stupid comment from some punk 16 yr old could cause so much emotional stess and anxiety to a person. I know I'd be a millionaire if I sued everyone whop ever poked fun at or called me names. I'm sure the guy has had his share of racial slurs directed at him before but unfortunately it wasn't at a Walmart. It's too bad there isn't a law that stops these frivolous lawsuits. Furthermore, any worthless lawyer that takes a case like this needs to pubilically caned and ridiculed.
I'm going to sue msnbc for causing me stress, anxiety, halitosis, erectile dysfunction, thinning hair, and irritable bowel syndrome by making me read this article.
Ha Ha great comment!
Ridiculous. As much as I hate Wally World I think they should file a counter suit against this jerk.
hummmm
This case will fall flat on it's face as it should. Just a mooch trying to mooch. The incident was apologized for over the same PA system and the kid was ARRESTED! Problem solved. Boy I hate lawyers and the sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue sue mentality of people these days.
Oh and Rob, make it a class action suit, I will sign up, LET'S GET RICH!!!!!
I'll sign up too... oh wait...I hate frivolous lawsuits....dang, maybe I should rethink this...
Bev-3880033 OMG you are sooooo right. Im still laughing about your post even after reading all the other comments. :I say Brothers, and sisters we cant let this injustice take place. Woh ah we gotsta correct this injustice ah and we gotsta stand by our brother in his time of need ah. Now brother when ya gets paid dont forget my 40% ah:
lol that was sooo funny! i swear!