A man who was shot during the filming of a Lil Baby music video in Atlanta is suing the companies involved in the production for more than $600,000, claiming negligence in ensuring his safety.
Kevin Mares, who was working on the set of the video for the Grammy-winning rapper, was struck by gunfire on May 14, 2024, when two unidentified individuals opened fire near the location. The incident took place at a shopping plaza on Verbena Street, resulting in Mares being seriously injured, with a gunshot wound to his neck.
In the lawsuit, Mares accuses Shotclock, LLC, the production company responsible for the shoot, and Quality Control Music, LLC, Lil Baby’s management company, of failing to provide adequate security measures. The lawsuit also targets two security firms hired for the event, Cannon Executive Protection Agency, LLC, and Tactical Elite Protection Services, LLC, claiming that these companies subcontracted services without proper authorization and hired inadequately trained personnel.
According to the filing, the defendants were responsible for maintaining a safe environment for all those involved in the video production, but they failed to meet that obligation. The lawsuit alleges that the companies “negligently failed to exercise reasonable care in the performance, training, and staffing of the specific security services required for an international recording artist production,” resulting in Mares’ severe and life-changing injuries.
Mares’ attorney, Peter A. Law, highlighted that the companies were aware, or should have been aware, of the risks posed by the area, which had a history of violent crime. The lawsuit further states that security personnel failed to stop loiterers and trespassers from entering the premises, which contributed to the shooting.
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Mares is seeking compensation for medical expenses, which are expected to exceed $680,000, as well as damages for pain and suffering, lost earnings, and diminished earning capacity. The lawsuit also calls for punitive damages, arguing that the defendants demonstrated a “conscious indifference to consequences” by not taking sufficient precautions.
