Sea World Lawsuit Escalates: Police Join Growing Criminal Investigation

A former stunt skier at Sea World is suing the park’s operator and its production company for over $2.5 million, claiming a ramp defect during a live show left her with serious injuries that derailed her career. Chelsea Hall, 22, alleges she was injured during a performance in May 2021, and the legal battle has escalated into a heated dispute, with both companies denying responsibility.

Credit: Sea World

The Performance That Went Wrong

Hall was performing in the high-energy Thunder Lake ski show at Sea World on the Gold Coast when the incident occurred. As part of the routine, Hall was required to sprint down a ramp to collect her skis. However, she claims her foot became stuck in a hole at the base of the ramp, causing immediate pain and significant injuries.

Court filings allege that the accident left Hall with torn ligaments and chronic pain. She also reports suffering from anxiety and depression as a result of the incident. According to Hall, her visibility was obstructed by waves generated as part of the show, which hid the hazard from view.

A Known Hazard?

One of Hall’s key allegations is that the hazard wasn’t new. She claims that another stunt performer injured themselves in the same hole during a show in October 2020, seven months before her accident. Despite this prior incident, Hall alleges that neither Village Roadshow, the park’s operator, nor Showtime Entertainment Group, the production company, made any effort to fix the ramp or eliminate the risk.

This allegation is central to her case, as she seeks to prove that both companies were aware of the danger and failed to act.

Companies Deny Responsibility

Credit: Sea World

The lawsuit has sparked a back-and-forth blame game between the two companies. Village Roadshow, which owns Sea World, denies liability and argues that safety and performance logistics were entirely the responsibility of Showtime Entertainment Group.

Showtime, however, claims that Hall herself was at fault. In their defense, the company alleges she failed to maintain proper awareness during the performance and should have anticipated potential hazards based on her experience as a stunt performer.

“As a highly skilled and experienced waterskier, she should have known the risks,” Showtime stated in court documents.

Additionally, Showtime claims that neither Hall nor any of the other 23 performers raised concerns about the ramp during inspections or rehearsals.

Financial and Career Impact

Hall’s injuries have left a lasting mark on her career and financial stability. Before the accident, she earned $1,200 a week as a professional stunt skier. Now, she earns $320 a week working at Brumby’s Bakery while studying to become a nurse.

Her lawsuit seeks $1.29 million from Showtime and $1.3 million from Village Roadshow to cover lost earnings, medical expenses, and emotional distress.

However, Showtime has called her compensation claims excessive, arguing that stunt skiing is a casual and low-demand profession. They also highlighted that Hall continues to ski recreationally and earns money through social media ventures.

Village Roadshow Counters with Cross-Claim

Credit: Sea World

Village Roadshow has taken additional legal action by filing a cross-claim against Showtime Entertainment Group. The park operator is seeking to shift liability entirely onto the production company, asserting that Hall worked under Showtime’s direct supervision during the show.

The park operator has also requested medical assessments to determine the severity and long-term implications of Hall’s injuries, suggesting the claims may be exaggerated.

The Risks of Live Performance

Hall’s case draws attention to the challenges and dangers faced by live performers, particularly in high-stakes shows that involve physical feats. The case also highlights questions about workplace safety and accountability within the entertainment industry.

While Hall is seeking justice and compensation, both companies continue to deflect blame, leaving the court to decide who, if anyone, failed in their duty of care.

What’s Next?

Credit: Sea World

As the case heads to court, the outcome could set a precedent for how liability is assigned in live performance accidents. Whether the fault lies with Village Roadshow, Showtime Entertainment Group, or Hall herself, the decision will likely have implications for safety protocols in the industry moving forward.

For now, Chelsea Hall’s story serves as a stark reminder of the physical and financial risks that come with careers in live entertainment.

Do you think Sea World needs to cough up the millions suggested?