Court Dismisses Britney Hoax Fraud Lawsuit
2/3/2006 1:44 PM PT
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- An appeals court has dismissed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit brought by the husband of a woman who died six years ago during a Britney Spears hoax concocted by a local radio station.
Paul Santodonato's 37-year-old wife, Susan, died in June 2000 after falling and hitting her head outside WMRV-FM while part of a crowd of about 100 people who rushed after a limousine fans believed had pop star Britney Spears inside. The appearance, however, was a hoax by the radio station, who hired a Spears impersonator.
A pathologist ruled the mother of three died after her heart went out of rhythm as a result of the blow to her head. Santodonato's 10-year-old daughter was with her when she fell.
Paul Santodonato filed a claim alleging fraud and negligence against Clear Channel Broadcasting Inc., the radio station's owner, in March 2002.
A state Supreme Court justice in 2004 ruled Santodonato wouldn't be allowed to submit arguments alleging fraud or negligent crowd control to a potential jury. Clear Channel asked that the entire complaint be thrown out. Both sides appealed to an appellate court, which issued its unanimous decision to dismiss the complaint on Thursday.
