September 22, 2004
Rosa Parks cannot testify in lawsuit trial due to "dementia"
Sad news about the "mother of the Civil Rights Movement," 91 year-old Rosa Parks.
Parks is embroiled in a lawsuit against the musical group Outkast and their label, BMG. The lawsuit charges that Outkast defamed her, and violated her publicity and trademark rights with their 1998 song, "Rosa Parks."
Parks' lawyer confirmed in court Monday that she is suffering from "dementia," presumably tied to Alzheimer's Disease.
Parks lawyer Gregory Reed confirmed that she has dementia, or severe mental impairment.Sad news indeed. Posted by mhking at September 22, 2004 10:47 AM"It comes and goes," Reed said. He said Parks is well cared for and receives care at her Detroit home.
Defense lawyers will be able to question Parks' doctor Joel Steinberg about her medical condition in early October.
In an Aug. 16 letter, Steinberg's lawyer said the doctor believes Parks "cannot testify or participate in any court proceeding" and referred to six pages of supporting medical records, including three medical visits by Parks in 2002 and late 2003.
Sorry to hear about Ms Parks, who I've always admired.
Posted by: Fausta at September 22, 2004 12:44 PMI agree this is sad, but I never thought the case was founded in the first place. I may trackback to this.
Posted by: Ambra Nykol at September 22, 2004 03:12 PMMy gut feeling is that an ambulance chaser got her to sign off on the filing of the suit.
Posted by: Michael at September 22, 2004 06:33 PM