Video footage showed Metcalf approaching Kennedy, grabbing his shirt, and shoving him away, after which Kennedy was accused of hurling racial epithets toward the wide receiver. Kennedy has publicly denied these allegations, stating he did not make racist remarks.
The lawsuit asserts that Kennedy did not call Metcalf the N-word or insult Metcalf’s mother, and did not use racist slurs or hate speech. It contends that Metcalf provided false information to Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson about what Kennedy allegedly said, which allegedly led to defamatory statements being published.
Named in the action are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ford Field Management LLC, with Ford Field cited for failing to maintain barriers or security measures that would have prevented a player from reaching into the stands and contacting a patron.
In addition to Metcalf and the Steelers, the suit lists Chad Johnson, Shay Shay Media LLC, and All Time Sports LLC, alleging that the defendants aided in disseminating and publishing the claimed defamatory statements.
The filing seeks $100 million in damages and frames the case as one of false and reckless statements that harmed Kennedy’s reputation and safety. There have been no public rulings in the matter, and representatives for the involved parties have not offered detailed comment pending legal proceedings.
