23-year old Jahmel Binion suffers from hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. A rare disorder that causes partial or complete absence of certain sweat glands, heat intolerance, fever; abnormally sparse hair and absence and/or malformation of certain teeth..
When Binion posted a selfie earlier in the year he was made fun of by Waka Flocka, Shaquille O'Neal and Utah Jazz player Trey Burke. All of whom helped spread the photo by sharing it with their followers.
Shaq and Burke later personally called Binion to apologize.
"Made a new friend today when I called and apologized to Jahmel Binion. Great dude. #alwayslearning #MYBADCUZ," Shaq tweeted.
In May Binion told The Okland Press that he doesn't believe the apologies were sincere.
“When they said sorry, I felt like they were saying it to get the pressure off of them for being considered ‘bad people,’” Binion said. “Even though I accept their apology, I still hope that they donate to my cause or other organizations that connect with ectodermal dysplasia.”
On Wednesday, July, 30, Binion filed a lawsuit in Macomb County Circuit Court against Shaq, Burke and Waka for general negligence, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation, according to the Macomb Daily.
“The defendants mocked and ridiculed the plaintiff, a person completely unknown to themselves in public forums where their activity would be widely disseminated,” the lawsuit says. “The defendants’ communications clearly implied that the plaintiff was an appropriate object of mockery, ridicule and shame” and “had the effect of lowering the plaintiff’s reputation in the eyes of those who respected the views and opinion of the defendants.”
Binion’s attorney, John Henke III, estimates the photos were seen by at least 8.4 million people.
“Over 1,000 people were making fun of me,” said Binion. “I felt mad because the picture was already getting talked about and passed around, and for celebrities to get in on it made me look at them less of a role model than they’re suppose to be.”
Binion has started the Facebook group "Hug Don't Judge." It has over 22,000 members.
He's seeking more than $25,000 in damages from the lawsuit.
Sources: Macomb Daily, The Oakland Press, WebMD and Jahmel Binion's Instagram.
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