Michigan Man Mocked on Social Media Sues Shaq, Trey Burke and Waka Flocka

The Warren man mocked and ridiculed on social media by former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal and other celebrities because of a rare genetic disorder that causes facial disfigurement is seeking more than $25,000 in damages in a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Macomb County Circuit Court.

Named with O’Neal as defendants are former Michigan Wolverines star and Utah Jazz rookie Trey Burke and rapper Waka Flocka, The Macomb Daily reports.

Plaintiff Jahmal Binion, who was born with ectodermal dysplasia, claims in the lawsuit that the trio’s “offensive communications” were seen globally by more than 8.4 million persons.

“The defendants’ communications clearly implied that the plaintiff was an appropriate object of mockery, ridicule and shame” and “had the effect of lowering the plaintiff’s reputation in the eyes of those who respected the views and opinion of the defendants,” the lawsuit alleges.

In the lawsuit, Binion alleges invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation and general negligence.

He also claims that mockery by the trio, who have since apologized, disclosed embarrassing private facts. He does not sweat because of the disorder, and could faint or suffer a heat stroke if he is unable to cool himself, the Detroit Free Press reports. The condition has also affected his oral health.

The lawsuit stems from Instagram and Twitter feeds showing a selfie of Binion alongside one of O’Neal making a face, accompanied by the caption, “Smile Today.” Burke and Waka Flocka shared and retweeted the meme.

O’Neal removed the photo from his Instagram and Twitter accounts, but before he did, various followers had already taken screengrabs.

The trio apologized, but were chastised by groups such as the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias , which said individuals with the disorder often face a lifetime of bullying and hurtful comments.

At the time, National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias Executive Director Mary Fete publicly shamed the athlete for posting the hurtful image and said her organization was “terribly disappointed” in such conduct by a public figure of O’Neal’s stature.

“Bullying is never acceptable and we, as a nation, have had some devastating consequences as a result of bullying,” Fete wrote. “However, to be called out on a celebrity’s social media and made fun of is especially reprehensible.”

After the story was circulated internationally, Binion founded an anti-bullying Facebook group, Hug Don’t Judge, which currently has nearly 22,640 members and was established to fight bullying and cyberbullying.

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Photo: Screenshot of Shaquille O’Neal’s Instagram account.