Former America’s Got Talent Stuntman Paralyzed in Horrific Accident Files Lawsuit
Jonathan Goodwin, a former contestant, stuntman, and escapologist known for his appearances on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, has filed a lawsuit against the show and its producers following a catastrophic accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. The lawsuit, which names NBCUniversal, Syco Entertainment, Freemantle Media North America, and others as defendants, alleges negligence and a failure to implement industry safety standards.
According to the lawsuit, the accident occurred during the filming of America’s Got Talent: Extreme, a spinoff series that seemed tailor-made for Goodwin’s skills. The stunt in question, called the Cradle Of Death, involved Goodwin being suspended upside down, in mid-air, within a straitjacket, while two swinging cars approached menacingly. However, the suit claims that the promised payments for this dangerous stunt were never fulfilled by the series producers.
Goodwin’s legal action presents a damning portrayal of the production of AGT: Extreme, alleging chaos, mismanagement, and pressure to compromise safety. The lawsuit asserts that safety checks were rushed, equipment and preparation were inadequate, and injuries resulted from pyrotechnic elements before the catastrophic fall that ultimately caused Goodwin’s paralysis.
In May 2022, Goodwin’s fiancée, actress Amanda Abbington, gave an update on his condition, revealing the extent of his injuries. She disclosed that he had fallen 30 feet, sustaining multiple fractures, burns, and a severed spinal cord, among other injuries, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. It is unlikely that he will ever fully recover.
Despite the challenges he faces, Goodwin maintains a positive attitude. In a recent Instagram post, he shared a photo of himself in a wheelchair, referring to himself as a roll model. He expressed gratitude for the love and support he has received throughout his difficult journey.
The lawsuit filed by Jonathan Goodwin shines a light on the alleged negligence and failure to uphold safety standards on the set of America’s Got Talent: Extreme. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how these claims will be addressed and what measures will be taken to ensure the safety of performers on future seasons of the show.
