Woman sues showbiz icon
A woman from Illinois has filed a lawsuit in Clark County District Court against Harrah’s Las Vegas, one of its most famous performers, and his production company after being injured during a show.
illuminated ball struck the back of her head
Joanne Julkowski is suing the Caesars-owned casino and ex-teen idol Donny Osmond, and Donny Osmond Concerts Inc., after an illuminated ball struck the back of her head during a show.
According to the lawsuit filed last week, the impact from the show prop caused Julkowski to suffer retinal detachment.
The Illinois resident is suing the three parties on two counts of “negligence and negligent hiring, training, retention and supervision,” reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Monday.
Ball to blame
Large illuminated beach-ball-sized orbs are a staple of Donny Osmond’s long-running Harrah’s residency shows. ‘Donny Balls’ as they’re often referred to, are thrown into the audience by Osmond and his dancers, with showgoers batting the balls around the auditorium.
a Donny Ball “thrown or propelled through the audience”
At a February 15 show in 2024, however, Julkowski was hit by a Donny Ball “thrown or propelled through the audience,” stated the lawsuit. The plaintiff added the flying balls were “capable of causing injury to concertgoers upon forceful impact.”
The suit adds that the auditorium was dimly lit during the ball-throwing finale which it claimed affected showgoers’ ability to essentially dodge the large flying orbs.
Surgery required
Julkowski claims she “sustained serious injuries” leading to the retinal detachment of her right eye requiring surgery and causing the victim “sustained visual impairment, as well as head and neck injuries.”
The Illinoisan is seeking damages in excess of $15,000 for multiple expenses including for past and future pain, suffering and medical expenses, plus punitive damages, “lost wages, and loss of earning capacity.”
