A young man was brutally attacked by members of Florida rapper Nardo Wick’s entourage Monday night after a concert a Club Skye, in Tampa, Florida. George Obregon, a 20-year-old student at North Greenville University (great school), went to the concert with his friend.
Apparently, Mr. Obregon and his friend had VIP tickets, and they wanted to get a photo with the rapper after the concert. When Mr. Obregon approached the group asking for a photo, he’s viciously attacked by two grown men. As a result, Mr. Obregon suffered a brain bleed and concussion.
Video of the incident clearly shows Mr. Obregon walking up to Wick and his entourage. Soon thereafter, a man viciously blindsides Mr. Obregon. Although Mr. Obregon is clearly unconscious on his feet after being struck, another individual strikes him several more times.
In the aftermath, Wick allegedly expressed his condolences and said he “can’t control another grown man actions.” However, when attorneys dig into this, it may not be that simple. For example, if Wick pays these guys and has some sort of working relationship with them, there could be some serious legal implications here. So, let’s talk more about that.
Is This Negligent Security?
When a security guard goes off the rails and attacks someone, the employer may be held responsible for the damages the security guard causes. Here, we’re looking a couple of different issues. For one, were the attackers employed by a security company? Probably not. They’re probably just some guys that hang out with the crew, a part of an entourage. However, if they are employed by a security company, there could be insurance coverage available through the security company.
Hypothetically, let’s say the attackers weren’t employed by a security company. Instead, let’s say they’re employed by Nardo Wick or an entity Wick controls or owns. Well, in that situation, we’d look at potential negligent hiring and retention, and we would want to ask some questions. For example, did either of the attackers have a history of violence or a criminal record such that the employer, whether it’s Wick or an entity, should have known or had reason to know that the attackers posed a threat to fans? Is so, there could be a viable cause of action.
Although there may not be any formal employment or a contract that describes the attackers’ roles as security personnel, there may be a history of financial compensation that could indicate such a relationship. In other words, if Wick pays these individuals, there may be a sufficient working relationship such that Wick could be exposed to liability for their actions.
There may also be a viable cause of action against the venue, Club Skye in Tampa, Florida. This venue could be exposed to liability, depending on their policies and procedures around protecting guests. Did they have any such policies and/or procedures in place? If so, were they violated in any way, and did the violations lead to Mr. Obregon getting attacked?
Additionally, we might ask if the area where the attack occurred was an area Club Skye knew or should have known that fans might occupy, and we’d want to know if they had reasonable security measures in place to protect fans or attendees, as well as performers.
Overall, these types of incidents are entirely preventable if folks exercise reasonable caution. When they don’t and someone gets hurt, there is potential liability. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. This is something none of them should have had to endure.