FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THE POST
The Drummer's Complaint
Mr. Williams, a drummer, sued Mr. Leiden.
Mr. Williams claimed he was hired by Mr. Leiden for his band.
The band was preparing for a tour.
Mr. Williams stated Mr. Leiden breached their contract.
He alleged Mr. Leiden fired him before the tour began.
Mr. Williams sought a substantial amount of money for this breach.
He also claimed Mr. Leiden assaulted him.
This alleged assault resulted in substantial medical bills.
Hiring and Early Work
Mr. Williams explained his initial hiring.
In March 1997, Mr. Leiden invited him to his house.
Mr. Williams listened to Mr. Leiden's CD.
After their discussion, Mr. Leiden hired him.
Mr. Williams began working on Mr. Leiden's music in April.
He received a copy of the CD and worked on it at his home.
Judge Judy acknowledged Mr. Williams's work.
She noted Mr. Leiden did not dispute that Mr. Williams worked.
Mr. Williams participated in rehearsals.
He was fully involved with the project.
The Defendant's Defense
Mr. Leiden presented his defense.
He claimed Mr. Williams was impossible to work with.
Mr. Leiden described Mr. Williams as a "primadonna."
He alleged Mr. Williams violated several verbal agreements.
Mr. Leiden asserted he did not fire Mr. Williams.
Instead, he claimed Mr. Williams quit.
Mr. Williams immediately denied this.
Mr. Leiden insisted it was true.
The Alleged Breach and Battery
Judge Judy moved the case forward.
She asked Mr. Williams about the breach.
Mr. Williams stated the breach occurred the day after the battery.
This incident happened at a Japanese restaurant.
The meeting took place about three days before the tour.
Mr. Williams had been in rehearsal since July 11th.
The battery occurred on July 30th.
Mr. Williams confirmed he was paid for the rehearsal time.
Meeting at the Restaurant
Both parties agreed a meeting was held.
This meeting was due to strain in their relationship.
Mr. Williams had sent a fax before this meeting.
The fax requested a written contract.
It also mentioned his desire for his own hotel room.
Mr. Williams explained his frustration with hotel accommodations.
He noted that musicians shared rooms.
Meanwhile, the band leader, Mr. Leiden, had a suite.
Mr. Williams felt this was unfair.
He believed the band members deserved better conditions.
Hotel Room Dispute
Judge Judy addressed the hotel room issue.
She stated she was not concerned about Mr. Williams's hotel room.
She told Mr. Williams she did not believe Mr. Leiden had a responsibility to provide him with an independent room.
Judge Judy criticized Mr. Williams's approach.
She called it "poor form" to complain about Mr. Leiden's room.
She paraphrased Mr. Williams's sentiment as, "You got a nice room, you're sitting in a nice perch, and you're watching all of us plebeians living like sardines in a can."
Mr. Williams admitted this was true "in so many words."
Judge Judy suggested that if he did not like the rules, he should not be there.
The Alleged Assault
The discussion shifted to the assault claim.
Judge Judy asked Mr. Leiden for his version.
Mr. Leiden denied any assault.
He called the claim "absolute nonsense."
Mr. Leiden described the only bodily contact.
He said it happened when he returned from the toilet.
His seat was in the furthest corner of the table.
Mr. Williams was sitting opposite him.
Mr. Leiden stated there was very little room to get by.
Mr. Leiden's Account of Contact
Mr. Leiden explained what happened next.
He said Mr. Williams got up.
Mr. Williams's head hit Mr. Leiden's chin.
Mr. Leiden suggested he should be suing Mr. Williams for assault.