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Lawsuit Filed Against NBA Stars O'Neal, Burke After Mocking Selfie Of Man With Genetic Disorder

WARREN (WWJ) - A lawsuit has been filed against a former NBA star and two others on behalf of a Warren man with a rare genetic disorder that affects his facial features.

Jahmel Binion is seeking more than $25,000 in damages from Shaquille O'Neal and former U-M star Trey Burke and one other for mocking a selfie he posted on social media.

"The kid's emotionally beat up for no good reason," said John Henke, who represents the 24-year-old. "I don't think anybody is entitled to be mocked and I don't care who it is - across the board, you could be the nicest person, you could be the most attractive person ..."

"I don't think it's an ultra sensitivity thing, and it's especially not when you've got some kind of medical condition," said Henke. "And it was easy enough to tell - all somebody had to do was look and realize this wasn't photoshop, this wasn't a mock-up, this was a kid with a serious medical issue."

Binion's disorder is characterized by a reduced ability to sweat, sparse hair growth, missing teeth and facial deformities.

"I don't think anybody is entitled to be mocked and I don't care who it is - across the board, you could be the nicest person, you could be the most attractive person -- celebrities don't get a pass."

O'Neal did call and apologize.

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