This guy forgot that he had the option to turn off the TV!!

[JJT]

Viewer Sues Over 'Fear Factor' Rat Episode



POSTED: 10:06 am PST January 7, 2005


CLEVELAND -- A viewer is suing NBC for $2.5 million, contending that he threw up because of a "Fear Factor" episode in which contestants ate rats mixed in a blender.

Austin Aitken told The Associated Press he watches "Fear Factor" often and had no problem with past installments where the reality show's participants ate worms and insects in pursuit of a $50,000 prize - but eating rats went "too far."


"It's barbaric, some of the things they ask these individuals to do," Aitken said Thursday.



Aitken's handwritten lawsuit contends the rat-eating made his blood pressure rise, resulting in being dizzy and lightheaded - and vomiting. Because he was disoriented he ran into a doorway, "causing suffering, injury and great pain."


Asked why he didn't shut off his television before the rat-eating segment, Aitken said he couldn't do it quick enough.


NBC responded with a brief statement: "We believe that the claim is completely without merit."


Aitken, a 49-year-old part-time paralegal, said he wants to send a message to NBC and other networks with the lawsuit. He said he isn't concerned with winning a cash judgment in court.


"I just put any figure. You really think I expect to get $2.5 million?" he said.

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[busman]

I am happy to say that I have never seen any part of an episode of any reality show made and I'm proud of it.

We love ya here JJT. Just wanted to make your day.

[FrozenInMinn]

Really Busman, Im addicted to them. I think they are beggining to go to far though. This latest one "whos your daddy" I couldn't stand it. But i like most of the others...

As far as sue'n over a TV show, damn, I ususally keep the remote on hand. I don't know a single paralegal who doesn't have a newer TV. I mean its not like he had to get up off his chair, go across the room, and turn the dial channel on the old black and white!!!!

C'mon, hit the power button, or the channel up button, He was intrigued by the episode as was I, to see if any of them could actually stomach eating one.

Let me tell ya, for 50,000 dollars, It will only taste gross for a minute. and after cashing that check you'd gladly eat another.

[JJT]

I don't watch any reality TV. Not much reality in them!!

Oh! Wonder if I could sue the Networks for misrepresentation of Reality???? LOL

[danielle]

My husband watches Fear Factor just for the gross factor. I think it's totally nasty. However, turning off the TV is ALWAYS an option.

I'm more of an "Apprentice" and "American Idol" junkie myself!

[jessnkat]

Oh, Good Lord! And you know what.....He'll probably get a settlement from it!!!!!!!!

Our ENTIRE system is sooooo screwed up!!!

[haswtch]

My ex considers "Fear Factor" to be good family viewing. He has gone so far to call and remind me it's on so I can tell the kids to watch it. NOT happening.

[MiaBellaAngela]

I heard on the radio today that the person who filed this is a paralegal and he is only doing it to bring attention to reality/bad tv.

[samiam158]

it is most amazing to me what people will sue for and actually get it........

[Rusty265]

People sue for some stupid things...

[MiaBellaAngela]

it is a waste of the court's time and resources!!

[haswtch]

they waste an awful lot of both as it is

[California Sunshine]

What a crock!
That show makes me sick too but I didn't sue I banned it from my house a good year or so ago after one particularly nasty and in my opinion cruel episode regarding animals