The man with a rare genetic disorder whose selfie was publicly ridiculed by former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal and two others has decided to take his online bullies to court.
Michigan resident Jahmel Binion has sued O’Neal, Utah Jazz player Trey Burke and rapper Waka Flocka, claiming his privacy was invaded when their “offensive communications” about his appearance were posted online for millions to see, the Detroit Free Press reports.
The 23-year-old has a disorder called ectodermal dysplasia, a rare medical condition which greatly affects the way he looks – something the NBA champion claimed to be completely unaware of back in April when he openly mocked Binion’s appearance in a video on Instagram.
In addition, the lawsuit accused the trio of defamation, general negligence and an intentional infliction of emotional distress, stating that “the defendants’ communications clearly implied that the plaintiff was an appropriate object of mockery, ridicule and shame.”
The lawsuit was filed in Macomb County Circuit Court on Wednesday. Binion is seeking more than $25,000 in damages, according to the Free Press.
Once the video was uploaded, Burke and Flocka joined Shaq on the mockery, publicly voicing their crass opinions on Binion’s appearance in the comment section.
The video was eventually deleted by O’Neal.
All three quickly took to Twitter to apologize for the heartless mistake, claiming to have no idea that Binion had a health condition at the time of their harsh comments.
Binion has said in the past he considered Shaq his basketball idol, adding that he was very fond of his work with charities and his advocacy for disadvantaged children in America.