An elderly man has filed a lawsuit against the Blue Man Group, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday, claiming the actors forced a camera into his mouth to project images of his throat to the audience.
James Srodon, 65, said when the "esophagus cam" entered his mouth, it was already covered in food, grime and bright blue paint from the trio's faces. The suit included charges of battery and emotional distress. Srodon claims he suffered "a traumatic contusion" to his esophagus, according to the Tribune.
Blue Man Productions issued a response to the suit, calling the stunt a mere sleight of hand. The company said no camera ever entered the man's mouth.
"We are disappointed that this false claim forces us to reveal the truth behind one of our most popular theatrical devices," a company spokesman told the Tribune.
The group called the stunt a "hilarious and absurd illusion" and said it had been done more than 50,000 times in the past 15 years.
-CHRIStopher COTTRELL
