Jonathan Goodwin, who was left paralyzed after injuring himself during a stunt on set America’s Got Talent: Extremefiled a lawsuit over the 2021 incident.
On Wednesday, the 43-year-old former stuntman filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against Fremantle, Syco Entertainment, Marathon Productions, Walk About Inc., T-Minus Productions, NBCUniversal and stunt coordinator TJ White.
The lawsuit, obtained by PEOPLE, says Goodwin — whose real name is Jonathan Harvey — is suing for negligence and unusual risk, and is demanding a jury trial.
The lawsuit reads: “Among other acts and omissions, the defendants failed to apply industry safety standards, including, but not limited to, designing and modifying the stunt in such a way that it was highly likely to fail, employing incompetent individuals to supervise and control the safety of the design and performance of the stunt, improperly controlling the design and performance of the stunt, failing to test the stunt without a live person after modifications were made, failing to implement and require adequate redundancies and adequate airbags (safety nets) and not ensuring that adequate protective measures were taken to prevent injuries.”
“Due to the defendants’ willful disregard for the safety of others and their grossly reckless and wanton violations, Mr. Harvey suffered catastrophic, life-changing injuries,” the documents continue.
‘AGT: Extreme’ Jonathan Goodwin released from hospital 4 months after on-set accident: ‘Finally out’
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Jonathan Goodwin. Jonathan Goodwin/Instagram
Representatives for NBCUniversal, Syco Entertainment, T-Minus Productions and White did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. A Fremantle representative told PEOPLE that the company and AGT had no comment, while Marathon Productions and Walk About Inc. were not available for comment.
Goodwin’s attorney, Stuart Fraenkel, shared a statement with NBC News and criticized those involved for “putting profits and ratings before safety.”
“The producers and staff working on this show could have taken a few simple steps to ensure Jonathan’s safety. Instead, the production was rushed, chaotic and staffed by a team that lacked the necessary expertise and experience,” he said. “Jonathan will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life because there were inadequate safety practices, protocols and procedures to protect him.”
“He is making this claim to bring attention to the continuing problem of lack of security in the entertainment industry,” Fraenkel added. “It is hoped that by making this claim, lessons will be learned, changes will be made and others will not be exposed to unnecessary risks and dangers in the future.”
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Jonathan Goodwin. Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Goodwin was hospitalized in 2021 after rehearsing his escape on NBC America’s Got Talent: Extreme went wrong. The incident happened at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, where the show was being filmed.
The stunt involved Goodwin wearing a straitjacket and hanging upside down as he tried to escape between two cars hanging alongside him. The timing was misjudged, according to the stuntman’s fiancee, Amanda Abbington, and he then found himself sandwiched between the two cars, which then burst into flames. Goodwin missed the air mattress that was meant to prevent his fall, hitting his head on the ground.
The performer suffered “multiple” broken bones in both legs, along with cuts and burns “all over his face,” according to TMZ.
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“During rehearsal last night for America’s Got Talent: Extremean accident occurred in which escape artist Jonathan Goodwin was injured while performing his spot,” a spokesperson for the show told PEOPLE in a statement at the time, shortly before production was temporarily shut down.
“He responded and was immediately taken to the hospital where he continues to receive medical care. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family as we await further updates on his condition,” the statement continued.
Days after the accident, Goodwin posted a selfie of his injured face and bandaged arm on Instagram, writing in the caption that “a few days ago my life took a complete left turn.”
“I was on the very edge and avoided the worst that a person can do, without fear… because I was protected by love,” he also wrote. “Love is all you need, so make sure you get it.”
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