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'Fox & Friends' Host Pete Hegseth Sued By Man He Accidentally Hit With An Ax On Live TV
Pete Hegseth accidentally hurled an ax at a drummer during a Flag Day celebration on "Fox & Friends."
The ax is coming down on a Fox News star.
"Fox & Friends" co-host Pete Hegseth is being sued for emotional and physical damages incurred when he accidentally struck a stranger with an ax during a live segment of his program.
Hegseth was aiming for a target when he accidentally struck a member of the West Point Band on June 14, 2015, according to NBC News. The band had been playing in celebration of Flag Day and the 240th birthday of the U.S. Army. he incident had been shown live on television and later went viral on the internet.
Jeff Prosperie, the injured musician, filed suit Tuesday against Fox News, "Fox & Friends" and Hegseth in the New York Supreme Court for the "negligently placed" segment which caused him physical harm. He is asking for unspecified damages.
On Facebook, Prosperie said he had suffered "a couple of cuts as it fell along my wrist" from the mishap.
"I was hit by an axe while performing a drum solo live on National TV ... words I never imagined saying! This happened last Sunday and I have been reluctant to post but starting to receive inquiries from concerned family and friends," Prosperie wrote in a post shortly after the accidental axing. "It could have been much worse or fatal. Focusing on full physical and emotional recovery."
In the suit, Prosperie said he faced "severe and serious personal injuries to his mind and body," as well as "permanent effects of pain, disability, disfigurement and loss of body function" as a result of being struck.
Fox has characterized the situation as unfortunate and entirely unintentional.
"Fox News immediately apologized to Prosperie and offered medical assistance, which he declined, saying he was 'OK,'" Fox said in a statement. "The network also offered compensation, which he declined as well. We have not heard from Prosperie since 2015, so the lawsuit is surprising and we are reviewing it."
Hegseth and his attorney Brandon Cotter have not commented on the suit.
[Photo: Pete Hegseth Spencer Platt / Getty Images]
