Disabled man launched dozens of lawsuits in ADA ‘shakedown’: lawyer

In response to the allegations, the lawyer representing Jocelyn Pierre, Darren Marks, declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. However, he did mention that they do not comment on active cases. The lawsuits filed by Pierre have sparked controversy and debate surrounding the legitimacy of his claims and the tactics used by his legal team.

While the ADA mandates that businesses provide equal access to individuals with disabilities, some of the establishments targeted by Pierre claim they were not given the opportunity to demonstrate their willingness to accommodate him. For instance, Jae Connor, the owner of Electric Lotus Tattoo, stated that he did not recall Pierre attempting to access his shop on the alleged date mentioned in the lawsuit. He mentioned that had Pierre shown up, he would have promptly assisted him.

Similarly, Lucali, the popular pizza restaurant in Carroll Gardens, has vehemently defended itself against the claims made by Pierre. The restaurant asserts that they have a portable ramp available for wheelchair-bound patrons, and they have accommodated disabled individuals, including the owner’s brother, on numerous occasions.

Despite the backlash and legal battles faced by Pierre, he has managed to secure settlements with several businesses, including Emma’s Torch, a cafe in Brooklyn that trains refugees in culinary arts. The cafe settled with Pierre for an undisclosed amount last year, leading to concerns about the financial strain it placed on the owners.

As the lawsuits continue to unfold and more businesses are targeted, the debate over the ethics and intentions behind Pierre’s legal actions rages on. Some view him as a crusader for disability rights, while others accuse him of being a pawn in a larger scheme orchestrated by his legal representation to extort money from small businesses.

Ultimately, the outcome of these lawsuits will have far-reaching implications for both the businesses involved and the broader conversation surrounding accessibility and disability rights in the city of New York.

The charity in question, which received a substantial $2.3 million in donations in 2023, has recently come under scrutiny for its lack of response to inquiries. Despite numerous attempts to reach out for comment, the organization has remained silent.

A defendant who wished to remain anonymous due to ongoing legal proceedings brought by Pierre, the individual behind the lawsuits, stated that after conducting interviews, it was revealed that many people had never even heard of Pierre. This raises questions about the validity of the claims being made against various businesses.

There have been reports of small business owners receiving legal demand letters from Pierre, with settlement amounts reaching as high as $5,000. This has put a significant financial strain on these businesses, with some owners resorting to putting the settlement fees on their credit cards to make the issue disappear.

One of the attorneys representing Lucali, a business targeted by Pierre, has condemned these actions as “vicious” and harmful to the vulnerable small businesses in the community. The attorneys highlighted the financial burden placed on these businesses, who often do not have the resources to defend themselves against such lawsuits.

While advocating for universal accessibility as outlined in the ADA, the attorneys raised concerns about the system that allows for an individual to file numerous lawsuits without substantial evidence of injury. This not only puts the livelihoods of small business owners at risk but also questions the true intentions behind these legal actions.

In light of these developments, it is essential for small businesses to be aware of their rights and seek legal assistance if faced with similar situations. The impact of such lawsuits can be detrimental, and it is crucial to address these issues to protect the interests of the business community.