Jonathan Goodwin, a stunt performer who was left paralyzed during rehearsals of America’s Got Talent: Extreme, has taken legal action against the show’s producers. Goodwin was seriously injured in October 2021, after being crushed between two burning vehicles. His attorney is claiming that the production was “rushed, chaotic” and lacked experience and expertise.
Goodwin’s accident occurred during rehearsals for the spin-off show at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. He was supposed to be suspended upside down 30ft in the air, attempting to escape from a straitjacket while between two cars. Unfortunately, the cars caught on fire, and Goodwin fell to the ground, suffering life-changing injuries. He now uses a wheelchair, as he has a dislocated spinal cord, left kidney loss, and third-degree burns in addition to broken ribs, shoulders, and legs.
Goodwin, who has previously appeared in Britain’s Got Talent and performed in London’s West End, was injured due to the insufficient safety measures implemented by the show’s producers. Stuart Fraenkel, Goodwin’s lawyer, said that this is a recurring issue in the entertainment industry, with safety being neglected in the name of profits and ratings. Goodwin hopes that by bringing this claim, the industry will take notice and improve the level of safety protocols.
Goodwin’s fiancée, Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, spoke about his injuries, indicating that unless stem cell surgery or Elon Musk’s neural link technology becomes available, he will remain paralyzed. Despite this, Goodwin has remained positive, retraining as a hypnotherapist and becoming an ambassador for the Spinal Injuries Association in the UK. The couple plans to marry in the Summer, and Goodwin hopes that by raising awareness about this critical issue, no one will have to undergo unnecessary harm in the future
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