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Federal judge denies AMC Theater's motion to dismiss a ADA lawsuit filed by Bishop William Barber II

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston
Published October 9, 2025 at 6:56 AM EDT
The Rev. William Barber II speaks during the virtual Poor People's Campaign on Saturday.
Screenshot by NPR
/
C-SPAN
The Rev. William Barber II speaks during the virtual Poor People's Campaign on Saturday.

A federal judge recently denied AMC Theater's motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Bishop William Barber II.

He was removed from a movie screening in Greenville in December 2023 for using a specific chair to manage his severe arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, leading to a lawsuit alleging disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Barber is represented by renowned national civil rights attorney Harry Daniels.

The lawsuit claims Barber was embarrassed, defamed, and discriminated against because of his disability, and seeks damages of more than $50,000.
Annette Weston
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
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