Viewer sues over 'Fear Factor' rat episode

Viewer Sues Over 'Fear Factor' Rat Episode
Jan 6, 5:13 PM EST

Associated Press

CLEVELAND -- Apparently nausea was a factor for a 'Fear Factor' viewer who is suing NBC for $2.5 million, contending an episode in which contestants eat rats made him vomit.

Austin Aitken said he watches 'Fear Factor' often and had no problem with past episodes in which the reality show's contestants ate things like worms and insects in pursuit of a $50,000 prize.

But the Cleveland man said showing people eating rats mixed in a blender was degrading to the contestants and the viewers.

'These networks are going too far. Period,' Aitken said Thursday. 'They need to check themselves, clean up their own acts. It's barbaric, some of the things they ask these individuals to do.'

Aitken's handwritten lawsuit contends the rat-eating made his blood pressure rise, making him dizzy and lightheaded.

'I didn't see the doorway on route to my room,' his lawsuit reads. 'I ran into it causing suffering, injury and great pain.'

Asked why he didn't shut off his television before the rat-eating segment, Aitken said he couldn't do it quick enough.

NBC responded with a brief statement: 'We believe that the claim is completely without merit.'

Aitken, 49, said he wants to send a message to NBC and other networks with the lawsuit. He said he isn't concerned with winning a cash judgment in court.

'I just put any figure. You really think I expect to get 2.5 million?' he said.

Court records show Aitken, who works as a paralegal, filed two lawsuits against tobacco companies in the late 1990s. Both were dismissed.




ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? This is crazy !!!

LOL....

'I didn't see the doorway on route to my room,' his lawsuit reads. 'I ran into it causing suffering, injury and great pain.'

HE was going to his ROOM to vomit!!?????

what a jerk!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree that he shouldn't win money. But, the networks really are going too far.

Fear Factor Family? Where KIDS are doing dangerous stunts? Often, it appears that these contestants don't have much money, so they are willing to do anything to make some cash.

Where does it end? I think that many of these things are degrading. That's why I try not to watch them. Who am I to be able to sit on my couch and watch other people doing these things to themselves?

I really worry about what's next...watching homeless fights for food again?

...coming off the soapbox now!

Please tell me these rats were all ready dead when they went into the blender.

These shows are going overboard...I don't think he should get the money...but these shows are getting insane.

What an idiot!! We all know exactly what kinds of things they show on there - which is why I never watch it!!

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Posted by Kathy116

Please tell me these rats were all ready dead when they went into the blender.

These shows are going overboard...I don't think he should get the money...but these shows are getting insane.

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No, they weren't dead. I don't think so anyway. I actually turned the episode on and had to immediately turn it off, so I saw it so briefly I'm not sure if they were alive or not. This guy that is suing over this though is absolutely ridiculous. People will sue eachother over anything and everything now!

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Posted by mrswask

What an idiot!! We all know exactly what kinds of things they show on there - which is why I never watch it!!

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Exactly!!! I know that show will make me sick...I think it's just disgusting, so I choose not to watch!

They were dead - they didn't even look like real rats. It was the episode in NYC I think...they were at a hot dog stand. They put them in a blender and made it into a shake. It WAS gross...but not gross enough to SUE! Jeesh!

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Posted by Kathy116

Please tell me these rats were all ready dead when they went into the blender.

These shows are going overboard...I don't think he should get the money...but these shows are getting insane.

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Yes, these rats were definitely dead---matter of fact they looked very stiff-!! Other than insects--they dont kill or eat or slaughter anyting while its alive or I'd have a problem with that~~

I think he's trying to make a point and IMO, it's a good one. That show really does go too far on occasion. I'm a little relieved to hear the rats were already dead but it's still pretty bad.

I never understood what eating gross things had to do with 'fear' anyway. It's more like vomit factor to me when they pull that crap. It's about time somebody called them out on that.

I don't really think he should win all that money but maybe he should win a tiny portion of it or just the lawsuit itself to prove a point. But then again, you never know what THAT could lead to.

I suppose he at least succeeded in bringing attention to his point and that's probably more than enough in the case... it is after all just a TV show.