After a bullet grazed Dorian Johnson’s face in July 2006, the damage ran deeper than her blurred vision.
“I couldn’t go into public places for a long time,” Johnson said.
Johnson was one of two victims who spoke at a press conference Wednesday morning that announced a lawsuit against rap artist Plies.
The lawsuit is in response to a shooting at a Gainesville nightclub in 2006 that victims said was used to promote violence in rap music and boost record sales.
According to the lawsuit, the shooting, in which five people were shot, was part of the kind of criminal activity that builds “street credibility” in order to promote performances.
The shooting took place at the now defunct Club 238, where Plies, whose real name is Algernod Washington, was performing. His microphone was cut-off after his set ran long, and the ensuing ruckus led members of his entourage to spray bullets into the audience.
Edwin Faircloth, the second victim, said his hip injuries prevented him from working at the paint and body shop he owned at the time.
“I lost a business, lost a job,” he said. “I was just destroyed.”
Christopher Chestnut, the victims’ attorney, said the success of Plies has set a dangerous precedent.
“We cannot have youth thinking they can shoot their way to the top,” he said.
