The family of a Kentucky man has sued Jerry Springer and NBC, claiming the man killed himself weeks after his fiancée dumped him on an episode of “The Jerry Springer Show.”
The lawsuit claims that Blake Alvey took his own life shortly after the May 8, 2018, taping of an episode entitled ‘Gay Phase…Over’, in which his fiancée, Cassie Rutter, admitted she had became involve with one of Alvey’s close friends and had sold her engagement ring. The new boyfriend reportedly makes an appearance on the episode, prompting Alvey and him to fight before being separated.
Alvey’s appearance aired on May 24, 2018. He reportedly took his own life nine days later, on June 3, 2018. News.com.au reported that the episode in question appears to have been wiped from the internet, presumably in light of the pending lawsuit.
In a statement provided to WDRB, the family’s lawyer said the show caused “great emotional distress” which resulted in Alvey’s suicide. Reports indicated that he left behind an infant son.
“The Jerry Springer Show was designed to humiliate and exploit people like Blake, while the Defendants disregard the devastating consequences that their conduct can have on people’s lives. We will fight to hold them accountable,” he said.
In addition to Springer and NBC, the wrongful death suit also lists Rutter as a defendant. The family is seeking unspecified damages for Alvey’s death.
[Featured image: Jerry Springer/Facebook]
