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.

(Story Continues Below...)

Sponsored Sites
Perfume Store
Save up to 80% on all name brand perfume. No gimmicks, just great prices. Check out our clearance department. (www.scentiments.com)
Discounted Perfumes
Red Jeans 2.5 - $19.95. We'll beat or match prices. Order online or call toll-free. (perfumesmart.com)
Genuine Perfumes - Imagination Perfumery
Save on brand name perfumes. Buy at wholesale prices. Free shipping for orders over $75.00. Free samples, free extra gift, free gift wrapping, same day shipping. Satisfaction guaranteed. (www.imaginationperfumery.com)



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.

I think some of the stunts done on Fear Factor are outrageous, but the people agree to try any stunt, and they can walk away if you wish...they don't force them to do a stunt. I didn't see this episode of this Fear Factor, but me as a viewer seeing that stunt would've probably changed the channel. It's one thing to state your opinion about something, but to sue over a show for that amount of money was outrageous! He as the viewer should've changed the channel as soon as it started to bother him instead of suing! He could've stated his opinion about some of the outrageous stunts on this show instead of suing the show.

Gimme a break.

Does this mean I can sue NBC over "Father Of The Pride?" There's a few hours of my life I'll never get back.

;)

I heard about that on "The Howard Stern Show" today and eventually the suit's going to be thrown out. If the show makes her or anyone sick, don't watch it. Simple? Doesn't bother me. I know it's a sometimes sick show but it's a big hit. I don't mind anyone doing it for the $50,000 top prize or whatever amount the show sets as long as it doesn't involve me! :D

It's in the Reality Show section:
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=129114

Okay thanks.

Gimme a break.

Does this mean I can sue NBC over "Father Of The Pride?" There's a few hours of my life I'll never get back.

;)

Good one! That show was pretty dumb.

Sometimes I think that 75% of the world's population is ********.

When they eat very disgusting stuff on FF, I either want to throw up or turn off the tv. Sickening!

We dont have remotes for display purposes only.

The idiot should have changed the channel when he started to get bothered by it.

The idiot should have changed the channel when he started to get bothered by it.
I agree.

Lame. He IS looking for money, because he could have easily changed the channel. Dizzy? What a little wimp. And they don't make the contestants do anything, there are contracts signed I'm sure. They also have the choice to refuse to participate if they don't want to, if money hungry enough then they will do it.

People like this annoy me. This guy probably thought, instead of having to do all those stunts I could just lie and file a lawsuit so I can get the money anyway. It's like that person that sued McDonald's for getting fat.

lolllll what a *****.

He should have just changed the channel. But, blending rats is pretty disgusting.

Yeah, I read the first sentence and then stopped. Stupid.

I wet my pants laughing at a girl her barffed after eating some disgustingly vial animal body part once. You think I could sue for that? ;)

If he watches Fear Factor on a regular basis, he should know stuff like that
happens on there.

I saw that episode. It was i think done in New York. I sometimes wonder if it is for real. Where are the bones of the poor critter? I would think one might choke swallowing the whole mushed up crushed up rat. Ugh.

I read this a few minutes ago on another website...

I couldn't stop laughing at "I became dizzy and light headed when my blood pressure rose so I ran into the other room and I bumped my head causing severe pain!" :lol: :happyface

What a dumbass!

He must be a dumbass and/or desperate for money/attention :lol: :rolleyes:

Just because filing a lawsuit against NBC/Universal Television will change nothing...not even eating a blended rat or eat tuna eye will change. He should have never watched the 100th Fear Factor episode anyway. That is total stupidity, IMMHO (in my MOST honest opinion). NBC/Universal Television will settle it quickly and ignore it altoghether outrightly.

While I think it's stupid that he's suing...that show turns my stomach. OMG, that show is awful...I don't understand why people would do stuff like this...it's just...ew...it's gross. I hate it. But yea, I still think it's ridiculous that he's suing.

ya last night i watched part of the friday night fear for all on FX hoping i'd see that episode so i'd thow up and sue NBC lolz.