This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A Michigan man with a rare disorder has filed a lawsuit against Utah Jazz point guard Trey Burke, former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal and a rapper, accusing them of defamation for mocking a self portrait he posted on the Internet earlier this year.
Jahmel Binion filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Macomb, Mi., according to court documents. The suit seeks more than $25,000 in damages. Burke's father and agent, Benji Burke, declined to comment on the lawsuit Thursday, saying that he has not been contacted about the litigation. Attempts to reach Binion's attorney for comment were not immediately successful.
According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, Binion has a condition called ectodermal dysplasia, which can affect health and physical appearance. Earlier this year, Binion posted a photo of himself on Instagram and later found that O'Neal had posted a photo oh himself making a contorted face side-by-side with Binion's portrait.
Burke also reportedly used Instagram to make fun of the Michigan man, but later apologized.
On April 30, Burke posted on his Twitter account: "Had the opportunity to talk to Jahmel Binion yesterday and apologize about the post on IG! #Intentionswerenttohurt #MyApologiesfam"
Aaron Falk