(2009) Tags: Universal
Olson v. Cohen
Allegedly unaware of Sacha Baron Cohen’s celebrity and his prior films, Plaintiff Richelle Olson agreed to allow respondents to film scenes for “Bruno” during an evening of charity bingo games. Respondent Cohen acting as Bruno was allowed to “call” bingo numbers during a game. During the course of the second bingo game, appellants claim Cohen began using vulgar and offensive language and Olson confronted Cohen and had him removed from the bingo game.
According to the complaint, after respondents left the premises, appellant Richelle Olson, “disturbed and mortified by the planned and intentional attack upon her in front of the bingo players which she felt responsible for, attempted to regain her composure by calling a bingo game.” But, unable to “stabilize” herself from the confrontation, Richelle left the stage area and went into a side room in an attempt to calm herself down. Thereafter, a co-worker came to the room to check on Richelle who was allegedly “sobbing uncontrollably.” Appellants assert that when the colleague sought to console her, Richelle Olson stood up and “simultaneously lost consciousness falling forward onto” the concrete floor and striking her forehead. Paramedics were summoned. Appellants claim that Olson suffered “two brain bleeds” as a result of the fall and has been confined to a wheel chair and walker since the incident.