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Judge Rejects AEG Lawsuit Dismissal In Christina Grimmie’s Death
A Florida judge April 6 rejected AEG Live’s request to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Christina Grimmie who was shot and killed after performing a concert in Orlando, Fla., in 2016.
Robb D. Cohen/Invision/AP, File – Christina Grimmie
“The Voice” Season 6 contestant Christina Grimmie performs as part of “The Voice Tour” at Cobb Energy Centre, in Atlanta.
As previously reported by Pollstar, Grimmie, 22, was a rising star with a popular YouTube channel and a third-place finish on “The Voice” in 2014. She was shot and killed by a deranged fan while signing autographs after her June 10 performance at The Plaza Live in Orlando.
The lawsuit, naming AEG Live and Plaza Live owner Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Plaza Foundation Inc., claims the companies failed to provide adequate security and seeks compensation for medical and funeral expenses, damages, and the income that Grimmie would have provided during her lifetime. The suit also claims that her brother Marcus suffered injury and permanent emotional damage after seeing his sister die, then tackling the gunman, who fatally shot himself.
AEG filed a motion to dismiss, saying it only promoted the June 10 show, not Grimmie’s tour, and that venue staff is responsible for security.
Florida Circuit Judge Kevin Weiss disagreed, saying Grimmie’s family can claim negligence and breach of duty against AEG and Orlando Philharmonic. A breach of contract claim against AEG stands as well, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
“Here, Plaintiffs have provided numerous facts that, when taken as true, support the existence of a special relationship between AEG Live and Christina, including but not limited to payments made by AEG Live to Christina,” writes Weiss. “Furthermore, Plaintiffs maintain that AEG Live contractually shared the management and control of the concert, including security, with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.”
The judge determined more research on the claims is needed before going forward.