The content discusses a conflict that has arisen between the most seriously wounded survivor of the 2018 Parkland school massacre, Anthony Borges, and some families of the 17 murdered victims. This dispute revolves around dueling lawsuit settlements recently reached with the shooter, Nikolas Cruz. Borges and his parents have agreed to a $400,000 annuity with Cruz, while the families of the victims Meadow Pollack, Luke Hoyer, Alaina Petty, and survivor Maddy Wilford have reached a $190 million settlement with Cruz. The conflict started during negotiations over previous settlements with Broward County schools and the FBI when discord arose over compensation amounts.
Anthony Borges, who was shot five times during the shooting, had initially been included in settlement negotiations but was eventually excluded due to disagreements over the compensation amount he deserved. Borges’ attorney believed his client should receive a larger portion of the settlements to cover his extensive medical expenses resulting from the injuries sustained during the massacre. While Borges’ attorney argues that his client has been treated unfairly and that they have a right to request what they feel is fair compensation, the lead attorney for the other families involved in the settlement disputes that Borges’ attorney has been disrespectful and exaggerated Borges’ future medical expenses.
The conflict between the parties escalated during a court hearing where accusations of lying, insults, and animosity were exchanged between the attorneys representing the different sides. The judge presiding over the case had to intervene multiple times to manage the heated exchange between the sides. The argument mainly revolves around the rights to Cruz’s name and image, as well as the allocation of an annuity left to Cruz by his deceased mother. Both parties disagree on the ownership of these rights and the appropriate distribution of the annuity funds.
The lead attorney for the families of the victims argues that state law precludes Borges from acquiring Cruz’s name and likeness and that decisions regarding interviews or any potential earnings from Cruz’s story should not be left to one individual. The attorney also accuses Borges’ attorney of violating a verbal contract to work together in their lawsuits against Cruz and ultimately securing a settlement without informing the other parties involved. The judge urged the parties to negotiate a settlement over the annuity to avoid a lengthy and painful court hearing.
The judge expressed disappointment in the animosity between the parties and urged them to reflect on the tragedy they all experienced during the Parkland school massacre. She highlighted the recent school shooting in Georgia as a reminder of the broader impact of such tragedies and encouraged the parties to focus on finding a resolution that considers the collective trauma they have endured. The judge is set to make a ruling on the ownership of Cruz’s publicity rights and has emphasized the need for a constructive dialogue between the parties to avoid further conflict and give closure to the legal proceedings.
