An 86-year-old X-Factor contestant is suing show creator Simon Cowell because the former American Idol judge made him sing when it was hot outside.
According to the lawsuit, Cowell subjected the senior citizen to a “punishing physical ordeal” that made it impossible for the elder singer to compete at his best possible level on the show.
The lawsuit was filed by Hyman Marks, his 78-year-old wife Helen and their son Stephen, 54 and named The X Factor and FOX Broadcasting in the lawsuit.
The Fort Lauderdale, Fla, residents say they were forced to film promotion scenes in 96-degree temperatures in Miami during the month of June, scenes that left them to perform “below their best on stage.”
The lawsuit says:
“Forcing an 86-year-old man with a bad knee and a 78-year-old woman who walks even slower, and a 54-year-old man with very bad asthma to do all this was unfair and discriminatory, since none of the other contestants had to go through this.”
When asked for the ages of his wife and son on stage Hyman was so exhausted claims the lawsuit that he couldn’t remember their names.
The pair had performed in front of judges on April 7, earning them the chance to perform in front of the judging panel which includes Cowell, Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger, creator of the popular Pussycat Dolls.
The Marks’ have requested $3 million in damages and the chance to audition once again for the show.
I for one would like to know how the 86-year-old singer expected to perform under the blaring hot lights of stages around the world had he won the competition, I’ve scene young singers finish a gallon of water on stage during 2-hour performances.
Mark my words, this lawsuit is going nowhere but away.
