Andre Battle v. UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP, INC.

Case Summary

According to the complaint, Plaintiff ANDRE BATTLE, a visually impaired individual, is suing Universal Music Group, Inc. for failing to make their website, Interscope.com, accessible to blind users. The complaint alleges that the website contains significant barriers that prevent blind individuals from independently navigating and completing transactions. BATTLE claims that these barriers violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and seeks a permanent injunction to require the Defendant to make necessary changes to the website, as well as compensatory damages for the discrimination faced. The complaint highlights specific accessibility issues encountered by BATTLE while attempting to purchase music records online.

Causes of Action

• Violation of 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181 et seq. – Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Declaratory Relief
• Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

Key Allegations

• Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind and visually impaired persons
• Plaintiff was denied the ability to independently navigate and make purchases on Interscope.com
• Defendant failed to implement necessary accessibility features on its website

Requested Relief

• A preliminary and permanent injunction to prohibit Defendant from violating the Americans with Disabilities Act
• An order requiring Defendant to make its website accessible to blind individuals
• Compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial

Proposed Class

all legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access Interscope.com and as a result have been denied access to the enjoyment of goods and services offered by Interscope.com, during the relevant statutory period.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12182, and venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. §1391(b)(1) and (2) because Defendant conducts business in this District and a substantial portion of the conduct complained of occurred here.