Family sues Jerry Springer over man's suicide after show 'ambush'
The family of a man who died by suicide after an appearance on The Jerry Springer show are suing the host and his producers claiming they directly caused his death.
Blake Alvey’s family alleged in a lawsuit filed last week the May 2018 episode and the “extreme emotional distress” it drove him to take his own life.
In the show, which aired May 25, Mr Alvey was ambushed by then-fiancée Cassie Rutter who revealed she had been unfaithful and her plan to call off the engagement.
Ms Rutter also told Mr Alvey she had already sold the engagement ring he gave her, The Wrap reported.
“The aforementioned conduct of the defendants was extreme and outrageous and caused the decedent to experience severe and extreme emotional and mental distress in the weeks following the taping and airing,” the lawsuit, filed in Jefferson Circuit Court in Kentucky last week, read.
The controversial reality show ran for 27 seasons before NBCU announcing its axing in June last year due to low ratings.
Documents filed as part of the lawsuit stated the behaviour of Springer and producers was “outrageous, intentional and/or reckless, offensive and against generally accepted standards of decency and morality.”
The family were seeking unspecified damages, accusing defendants of wrongful death and infliction of emotional distress.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
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