Introduction to the Case
The Los Angeles Dodgers have responded to a lawsuit filed by a man who sued the team alleging he was wrongfully ejected by security guards on “Hello Kitty Night” at Dodger Stadium in 2023 by denying his allegations and saying the plaintiff should pay for their legal costs.
Hello Kitty throws the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Details of the Lawsuit
Mark Findler’s Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit alleges civil rights violations, assault, battery, negligence and negligent hiring, retention and supervision. Findler seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in the suit filed Jan. 31.
Response from the Dodgers
But in court papers filed Tuesday, Dodger lawyers deny all of Findler’s allegations and cite multiple defenses, including that the guards acted in self-defense and did not intend to violate Findler’s civil rights.
Findler should “take nothing” through his complaint and the Dodgers should be able to recover their legal costs from the plaintiff, the team lawyers further state in their court papers.
Events Leading to the Incident
According to his suit, Findler and a friend went to the stadium on Aug. 3, 2023, to see the game between the home team and the Oakland A’s, and both were given a promotional Hello Kitty bobblehead doll by the staff at the upper northeast gate.
Findler saw other patrons with more than one doll, so he asked the staff if he could get another for his girlfriend, according to the suit, which further states that the plaintiff was advised to go to a different entry gate and obtain a second one.
Interaction with Stadium Staff
Findler allegedly was given a hostile reaction by the attendant at the first alternate gate and was told he was given wrong information, but the staff member also allegedly mentioned to the plaintiff that “if he had a problem” he could speak to an employee in a black hat, whom Findler assumed would be a supervisor.
But Findler was unable to locate anyone with a black hat, and he returned to the employee at the second gate for help, and she again told him, “Oh well, you got some bad information,” and did not give him further assistance, the suit states.
The Ejection Incident
Findler gave up and was inside the stadium when he was grabbed from behind by two security team members, including one with a casual business suit and the name tag “Rey,” then handcuffed and ejected, the suit states.
Findler, who was not told why he was forced to leave, was injured during the interaction, and the guards joked that they could not find the key to unlock the handcuffs when he complained they were too tight, the suit alleges. When they did remove the cuffs, the guards told Findler he would be arrested if he tried to re-enter the venue, the suit states.
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Conclusion
The Dodgers’ denial of the allegations and request for the plaintiff to pay their legal costs marks a significant development in the case. The outcome of this lawsuit will depend on the court’s interpretation of the events and the application of relevant laws. It is essential for both parties to present their cases effectively to achieve a just resolution.
FAQs
Q: What is the basis of Mark Findler’s lawsuit against the Los Angeles Dodgers?
A: Findler’s lawsuit alleges civil rights violations, assault, battery, negligence, and negligent hiring, retention, and supervision stemming from his ejection by security guards on "Hello Kitty Night" at Dodger Stadium.
Q: How have the Dodgers responded to the lawsuit?
A: The Dodgers deny all of Findler’s allegations, citing that the guards acted in self-defense and did not intend to violate Findler’s civil rights. They also request that Findler pay for their legal costs.
Q: What happened to Findler during the incident?
A: Findler was grabbed from behind by security team members, handcuffed, and ejected from the stadium. He alleges he was injured during the interaction and that the guards joked about not finding the key to unlock the handcuffs.
Q: What are the potential outcomes of this lawsuit?
A: The outcomes could range from the court ruling in favor of either party, to a settlement being reached outside of court. The specific damages or legal costs awarded would depend on the court’s decision.
