A grieving family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against The Jerry Springer Show after a man committed suicide following an appearance on the show.
The lawsuit was filed in Jefferson Circuit Court in Kentucky last week, according to WDRB. Blake Alvey’s family claims his May 2018 appearance on The Jerry Springer Show contributed to his demise.
Alvey committed suicide on June 3, less than a month after the episode premiered on May 24. During his segment, Alvey found out his fiancée, Cassie Rutter, did not want to get married and was cheating on him with his friend. To make matters worse, Rutter sold the engagement ring before they went on the show.
“I don’t want to get married,” Rutter told Alvey. “And, there’s someone else.”
The friend later came out, and the two men got into a physical altercation. The family said the show and heartbreak caused Alvey to shoot himself “as a result of severe emotional and mental suffering and anguish.”
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Court documents argue the showrunners knew the revelation would “elicit an extreme reaction” from Alvey. Alvey’s ex, Cassie Rutter, is also listed as a defendant, while their son is listed as a plaintiff.
“The Jerry Springer Show was designed to humiliate and exploit people like Blake, while the Defendants disregard the devastating consequences that their conduct can have on people’s lives,” said family attorney Brenton Stanley. “We will fight to hold them accountable.”
The couple got engaged a month before their appearance on the show, reports the Daily Mail.
The family is seeking unspecified damages and requested a jury trial. The show has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.
The Jerry Springer Show
officially ended in July 2018 after 27 seasons, according to Deadline.
Springer, who has a J.D., will begin hosting a court television show in the fall.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help from The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
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