The recent lawsuit filed by a wheelchair user from Florida against rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross has brought attention to the issue of accessibility at public events. The plaintiff, Darris Straughter, alleges that he was left waiting for hours outside Ross‘ car and bike show due to a lack of accessible transportation. The lawsuit, filed in Broward County, Florida, accuses Ross of breach of contract, negligence, and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The third annual Rick Ross Car Show, held at Ross‘ Fayette County mansion on June 1, promised attendees a dream-like experience at „The Promise Land.“ With tickets priced in the hundreds to thousands of dollars, the event featured specialty and vintage cars, as well as performances from popular rappers. However, Straughter claims that he was unable to enjoy any of the festivities due to the lack of accessible transportation.
Straughter, who is paralyzed from the waist down after a traumatic incident in 2018, had saved up all year to attend the event. He even sold his car to cover the costs of tickets, transportation, and lodging. Despite being promised a wheelchair-accessible shuttle in writing, Straughter arrived at the event only to find that none of the shuttles could accommodate him. He was left stranded in the sun for hours before ultimately returning to his hotel feeling humiliated and dejected.
The lawsuit also alleges that the event organizers have failed to provide Straughter with a refund for his ticket. This incident is not the first time that the Rick Ross Car Show has faced legal challenges. In 2023, Fayette County residents attempted to prevent the event from taking place due to concerns about traffic and noise. However, a judge ruled in favor of Ross, allowing the show to proceed.
In response to the backlash, Ross stated that he had worked with local law enforcement to address concerns and ensure that the event ran smoothly. Despite these efforts, the recent lawsuit highlights the importance of ensuring that public events are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.
As the case unfolds in court, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for inclusivity and accommodation in public spaces. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for how events are organized and executed in the future, emphasizing the importance of considering the needs of all attendees, including those with disabilities.