Appeals Court Reinstates Disabled Group's Suit Against 'Millionaire'

Boston Globe ^ | June 20, 2002 | Brian Bandell

[Reaganwuzthebest]

MIAMI (AP) -- A federal appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit alleging that ABC discriminates against disabled people trying to become contestants on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire."

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided that the lawsuit contained a valid claim that the show's qualifying system, which uses touch-tone phones, violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. A three-judge panel likened the phone system to other "places of public accommodation" covered under the law.

[walden]

What do we have too much of? Lawyers. What does the third world have too little of? Law. It's a match made in heaven. Of course, sending a planeload of American lawyers into a country could very well be considered an act of war.

[Phantom Lord]

"Can ABC and Walt Disney open their books and show me they're not deriving a significant profit from this show?"

Didnt the show get cancelled because people stopped watching it?

[FreeTally]

You've got to be f'ing kidding me.

[Jack Wilson]

The show also discriminates against people who aren't good at trivia.

[Lexington Green]

I've never seen a game show contestant who was in a wheelhair... never seen one... guess all wheelchair folks are retarded

[Salgak]

Yeah: imagine the perfect match: a plane full of trial lawyers, and several Al-Qaeda onboard. They deserve each other. . . .

[mhking]

Under the ADA, people can sue for better access and legal fees but no money for compensation or damages.

The ADA is evil, I tell you, simply evil! I can't have a narrow bathroom door in my home -- why! Because someone disabled may have to use it! Everything in life has to be geared toward "the disabled" to the detriment of everyone else!

I have nothing against those who have true infirmities. But the lawyers and activists that use the ADA do so only to further their own personal ends. This truly has to stop![/rant mode]

[1Old Pro]

Why don't they sue all games shows. Sheesh, did Hollywood squares have ramps up to the top squares?? The ADA is BAD law.

[Lexington Green]

Ageed - ADA is bad law.... but have you ever seen a gimp on a gameshow? I haven't in 50 years.... Do you think it's because no disabled person is smart enough to play? Or is it a case of ''no disabled need apply''?

[goodieD]

I'm sorry, did I miss the part in the Constitution that guarantees the "right to be on a game show"? Or how about the "right to use touchtone phones".. Maybe I should sue my local Mercedes dealership because they discriminate against the poor? Or how about our local adult soccer team because I suck at sports? I prefer to sue the local Democratic party because they are very discriminatory against people who refuse to be victims and have a sense of personal responsibility.

[Doc-Joe]

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided that the lawsuit contained a valid claim that the show's qualifying system, which uses touch-tone phones...

"We don't want to alter or make changes in the show, but we want to make it fair," Michael Lanham, the lawyer for the people suing the network and the show's producers

Wouldn't they have to alter the "Fastest Finger" portion as well?

[Lexington Green]

"I'm sorry, did I miss the part in the Constitution that guarantees the "right to be on a game show"? "

Yeah.. you're right... next thing you know, those cripples will be wanting to eat in restaurants with us... or go to church with us... or work... or school.... those legless veterans are a bunch of demanding Bassturds!

[goodieD]

Big difference between living a normal life and getting to play on a game show. Oh, I'm sorry..did I offend the baby with the use of the word "normal"??? Most disabled people I know ACCEPT the fact that they can't do everything because that's the hand that's been dealt to them. Not everyone gets to do everything they want in life..that's just the way it is.. I'll never be a model, I'll never be good at sports, and because I missed one question, I won't get to be on the Millionaire show, but I'm not whining about it.

[moyden]

Next, retards will sue "Jeopardy".

[TigerTale]

Of course, sending a planeload of American lawyers into a country could very well be considered an act of war.

Weapons of mass corruption?

[djr]

"I've never seen a game show contestant who was in a wheelhair... never seen one... guess all wheelchair folks are retarded"

Why don't you get off your high horse and argue the point instead of trying to imply that those who disagree with you are uncompromising extremists? The whole idea of the objections over ADA is that it goes too far - and that it uses sympathy for the disabled as a club for government's assault on private liberty. That sort of thing does happen, you know.

I hope you can see the distinction between this perspective - which I think most of us hold - and the insulting stereotype that you portray.

[Lexington Green]

NO - NONE - ZIP - ZERO disabled contestants if over 50 years... we shouldn't need a law to force us to include our own relatives... but apparently that's the only way to force people like you to be nice to their own crippled granmas

[1Old Pro]

Do you think it's because no disabled person is smart enough to play? Or is it a case of ''no disabled need apply''?

Some people just realize their limitations and many just don't have the interest. For example, In regards to most talk show programs, only about 1-3% of the audience ever attempts to call in. I for one have never appeared on a game show either. I definately don't believe it's because disabled people lack intelligence. They probably just figure, why bother - just as I do.

[Lexington Green]

but seriously folks... we are juggling 2 issues... I agree the ADA is bad law.... but does anyone disagree with my observation that game shows have purposely excluded disabled people for 50 years now?... ever seen a gimp on a game show?.... why not? is it too much trouble to ramp the 6 inch step onto the stage?... Are they afraid Stephen Hawking will bankrupt JEOPARDY?