Viacom sued over ‘Jackass’ stunt

Viacom Inc. has been sued by a Riverside woman who claims she was seriously injured during the taping of an MTV “Jackass” show, which features outrageous stunts.

Wendy Linden was onstage during the “Jackass: Town Hall Meeting” show at Hollywood High School in April when a cast member hurtled himself into the lectern where she stood. Linden said the lectern knocked her over and caused a spinal injury that required surgery.

“Like cigarette manufacturers, MTV and Viacom target young, impressionable teenage viewers who imitate behaviors seen on television,” according to the suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Phone calls to Viacom and MTV representatives weren’t immediately returned. The show carries warnings about copying any of the stunts.