Rick Ross is undertaking measures to ensure that his widely-publicized automotive and motorcycle exhibition is accessible to all individuals.
The musician instituted these modifications subsequent to a lawsuit filed by a fan with disabilities who was denied both entry and reimbursement for the previous summer’s iteration of the event.
Darris Straughter sought a refund after the anticipated wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus failed to arrive on the day of the occasion. The absence of adequate transportation ultimately rendered him incapable of attending Rick Ross’s third annual exhibition.
Notwithstanding Straughter’s attempts to obtain a refund, event organizers allegedly dismissed his appeal.
As reported by TMZ, the event had pledged to facilitate shuttle bus services. This vehicle was intended to arrive at a specifically designated parking area and transport any attendees with disabilities to the expansive 235-acre estate, referred to as “The Promise Land” by Ross.
However, Straughter contends that the event did not meet expectations following his extensive journey to reach the venue.
His lawsuit, which was initiated in April 2024, accused the ‘Aston Martin Music’ artist of infringing upon the American Disabilities Act.
He stated that he was compelled to wait for several hours for transportation that ultimately did not materialize. Furthermore, his lawsuit indicated that Straughter had relinquished his personal vehicle to attend the show, thus enabling him to address additional expenses such as his travel arrangements.
Ross has reportedly opted not to dispute Straughter’s allegations. Rather, he is seizing the opportunity to rectify the situation, not only for the disheartened ticket holder who initiated the lawsuit but also for numerous other individuals with disabilities who have voiced similar grievances.
According to TMZ, the rapper has agreed to implement an operational shuttle bus service that will transport wheelchair-bound attendees to a designated location at the event.
Straughter’s legal representative, John Hoover, issued a statement providing updates on the legal victory against Rick Ross.
Hoover disclosed that the event will also feature golf carts to facilitate the unobstructed mobility of wheelchair users throughout the estate.
“Thanks to Darris Straughter and the other wheelchair users who came forward, the upcoming Rick Ross Car & Bike Show will be so wheelchair accessible that even golf carts will be provided to wheelchair users,” Hoover wrote. “This is a milestone in the ongoing litigation. Defendants continue to deny wrongdoing, but if it wasn’t broken, they wouldn’t have to fix it.”
