Niamh Spence
Famous prankster and joker Johnny Knoxville is facing a hefty legal case, after he's been sued for $3 million for allegedly tasering a producer on the Prank Panel.
The star of Jackass and similar prank style shows has been accused of workplace violence by Daniel Curry. Johnny, who's real name is Philip John Clap, has been sued alongside ABC Signature Studios, ITV America, Jimmy Kimmel’s Kimmelot shingle and others involved with the unscripted comedy TV series Prank Panel.
Curry, who filed his case on May 16, alleges he was subjected to a taser attack in September 2022 at Saticoy Studios in Van Nuys, California. A 28-page legal document details that Curry is seeking "compensatory and general damages in the amount of $950,000; For special and incidental damages in the amount of $300,000". He's also asking for $1,750,000 "for loss of earnings, including future loss of earnings".
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Curry's claim states: "JOHNNY KNOXVILLE tased PLAINTIFF [Curry] on his side as they both ran full speed, resulting in PLAINTIFF’s body freezing, losing all motor skills, and collapsing with his entire body in a rigid and tense state."
He adds: "This unprovoked action by JOHNNY KNOXVILLE caused a break in PLAINTIFF’s fibula as well as a torn ankle ligament, both injuries occurring to his left leg. For the next two and half months, PLAINTIFF was bound to crutches, a leg scooter, and a boot, then another two months with an ankle brace. After that, PLAINTIFF moved on to six months of physical therapy, where amongst other things, he had to relearn to walk.
"This attack was unprompted, surprising, and inherently dangerous. There was no plan for PLAINTIFF to appear on camera and at no time was PLAINTIFF an active participant in any scenes. Rather, PLAINTIFF was an unsuspecting member of production who fell victim to JOHNNY KNOXVILLE’s inexplicable and inherently dangerous behavior."
Comments on Reddit have seen fans of Jackass claim that they think he's gone too far. One person explained: "Listen, I love jackass and I love Knoxville always have and always will. However, tasing people isn’t a “prank.”
"Steve-o has even commented that when Knoxville does that it’s more of an assault than a prank. If this guy is just some producer and not down with the antics of the “crew” then yeah I kinda get why he’d be pissed and want to sue. I mean, Eric Andre, one of “the guys” almost left the show cuz of Knoxville constantly f****** with him."
Another said similar as they wrote: "Love Jackass, love Knoxville and think he's a legitimately cool and nice seeming dude. But, as we have long been noting about Bam needing to grow up, maybe in some respects Johnny does too. Being in your fifties and chasing people with tasers--or even just being part of a show call Prank Panel in the first place--maybe its time in his life to put that stuff behind him."
This isn't the first time Knoxville's pranks have landed him a hefty legal bill. He was sued in 2022 for his "terrifying" antics when Khalil Khan filed a lawsuit against the stunt performer and Dickhouse Entertainment for a "Jackass" episode. Khan claimed he was left "badly shaken and traumatized by this episode".
LadBible has reached out to Knoxville's representatives for comment.