Concertgoers Daniel Buchanan and Maneba Curry filed a lawsuit Tuesday in California Superior Court, accusing R&B star Jeffrey Osbourne of negligent and discriminatory behavior toward them.
Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Curry were singled out during Mr. Osbourne's concert as a result of acts allegedly committed against them during Mr. Osbourne's concert in Los Angeles in May 2023. He said he felt “mentally confused” and humiliated. people. They also named the Greek Theater, the venue where he performed, in the lawsuit. The women are seeking more than $2 million in punitive damages and a jury trial.
Jeffrey Osborne performs on stage at the 10th Annual Jazz in the Gardens: Celebrating a Decade of Great Music at Sun Life Stadium on March 21, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Florida. .Photo by Aaron Davidson/Getty Images
The two women claim they attended Osbourne's concert and were excited when Osbourne asked his team for members of the audience to help him sing the lyrics “Can Woo Woo Woo Woo Woo.” . From his song “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Song)”. When she was chosen, “cameras were pointed at” Buchanan and her face was projected on two giant screens on either side of the stage, according to People magazine.
The suit says Ms. Buchanan was “smiling and ready to sing,” and that Ms. Curry used her cell phone to record the key moment when Ms. Osbourne allegedly said, “I want a white man.” People magazine reported.
Jeffrey Osborne performs on stage at the Jackie Robinson Foundation 2019 Annual Awards Dinner on March 4, 2019 in New York City. Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Jackie Robinson Foundation
Buchanan said she was “shocked, embarrassed and humiliated” by Osborne's comments and tried to take the pressure off by saying, “I'm white,” but a member of her team removed the microphone from her. , and started looking for someone else. She will act on her behalf, her complaint states. Ms Curry also claimed that she felt “embarrassed and humiliated” when the situation was revealed.
According to People, concertgoers claimed Osbourne intentionally caused emotional distress, Greek Theater showed negligence, and California's Unruh civil rights law provides protection from corporate discrimination. He claimed that he was responsible for violating the law.
Recording artist Jeffrey Osborne poses on the red carpet at the Coach Woodson Las Vegas Invitational at 1 Oak Nightclub at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 8, 2017. Arrived at the Ring Gala. Photo by Brian Steffey/Getty Images, PGD Global
According to People, Buchanan and Curry's court filing said other audience members commented on Osbourne's “discriminatory behavior,” making them “even more emotionally upset” and paying to attend. It was written that he was no longer able to enjoy the rest of the concert.
Mr Buchanan claimed the venue did not respond to verbal complaints about the matter.
“[Buchanan and Currie] According to People magazine, the suit states that he left the concert in a state of mental turmoil. “On the basis of public humiliation, [they] For many months, they were afraid to participate in society in their lives, but eventually, as a result of their pain and suffering, they had to undergo psychotherapy. ” (Related: Late Donna Summer's estate sues Ye for misusing 'I Feel Love': Report)
This story will continue to unfold.
