Camera man demands apology, eyes lawsuit against Elephant Man

The photographer shoved from the stage during Elephant Man's Dream Weekend performance has lawyered up, demanding a public apology from the dancehall star while signalling his intention to take legal action over the humiliating incident.

Professional photographer Dario Shields, who was pushed by the entertainer during his performance at the YUSH party in Montego Bay on August 1, says the ordeal left him embarrassed, emotionally distressed and with damaged camera equipment.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Shields' attorneys demanded that O'Neil "Elephant Man" Bryan issue a "full, public, and unequivocal apology" for his actions and the remarks allegedly directed at their client.

According to the legal team, no formal apology has been received despite public claims by Elephant Man that he had apologised.

The attorneys said the apology should acknowledge the indignity suffered by Shields and reinforce the respect owed to professionals working in Jamaica's entertainment industry.

However, they made it clear that an apology alone may not end the matter.

"Our client has also instructed us to consider and pursue all legal remedies available to him, notwithstanding the issuance of an apology," the statement said.

The lawyers described Bryan's actions as "distasteful, entirely uncalled for, and woefully unprofessional."

They added: "No individual, regardless of their perceived status or public profile, is above the law."

Shields alleges he was intentionally dragged across the stage in front of thousands of patrons, members of the media and fellow industry professionals while derogatory remarks were made about him.

He said he was simply carrying out the job he had been hired to do when the incident occurred.

His legal team also revealed that his camera was damaged during the encounter, with the extent of the damage still being assessed.

A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism of the veteran dancehall artiste.

Elephant Man, however, has denied disrespecting the photographer, insisting that what unfolded formed part of his stage performance and was never intended to demean someone who was doing his job.

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