In a shocking turn of events, a California resident has filed a lawsuit against a prominent entertainment company, alleging severe misconduct by its security personnel. Marcus Matthew, the plaintiff, lodged his complaint in the Superior Court of California for San Francisco County on September 26, 2024. The defendants named in the case are Cobb’s Comedy, Inc., Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., and Live Nation Worldwide, Inc.
The lawsuit arises from an incident that occurred on July 23, 2023, at Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco. Marcus Matthew claims he was attending a performance by comedian Jimmy Dore when he was violently assaulted by security guards employed by the defendants. According to the complaint, as Matthew attempted to return to his seat from the restroom, he was suddenly and without provocation attacked by two security guards identified as DOES 1 through 10. These individuals allegedly grabbed him and forcibly ejected him from the premises in a violent manner.
Matthew accuses the defendants of battery and assault among other charges. "Defendants' security guards intentionally and unlawfully touched Plaintiff in a harmful or offensive manner," states the complaint. Furthermore, it alleges that these actions were conducted without justification or consent and resulted in severe emotional trauma and physical injuries for Matthew.
The plaintiff also brings forth claims of negligent hiring, training, supervision, general negligence, and premises liability against Cobb’s Comedy Club and Live Nation entities. He argues that these companies failed to use reasonable care in hiring competent staff and did not adequately train or supervise their employees to prevent such violent conduct. As stated in the complaint: "Defendants breached this duty by negligently hiring... allowing untrained or improperly trained employees to engage in violent conduct."
Marcus Matthew is seeking various forms of relief from the court including general damages for his injuries and special damages for medical expenses incurred due to the incident. Additionally, he demands punitive damages under Civil Code §3294 citing recklessness and malice on part of the defendants’ actions.
Representing Marcus Matthew is attorney Brian L. Larsen from The Law Offices of Brian L. Larsen based in San Francisco. The case has been assigned Case No.: CGC-24-618470 but no judge has been mentioned yet.