Spike Lee Reaches Financial Settlement With Elaine and David McClain
by Free Britney at .An elderly couple has reached a settlement with director Spike Lee after the pair had to abandon their home after he erroneously re-tweeted their address as that of George Zimmerman, the Florida man who shot and killed Trayvon Martin.
The couple's attorney, Matt Morgan, announced the settlement Thursday.
Specifics of the settlement weren't disclosed, but Morgan says Lee proactively called the couple to apologize profusely for re-tweeting their address.
Elaine and David McClain are in their 70s. Elaine's son from a previous marriage is named William George Zimmerman, who once lived in their home.
He is no relation to 28-year-old George Zimmerman, who has controversially not been charged with a crime after he killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
The neighborhood watch volunteer has said he acted in self-defense, but the issue has raised racial tensions and widespread outrage across the U.S.
After someone posted the address believed to be Zimmerman's, Lee's re-tweet sent it to 250,000 people, some of whom harassed the McClains.
"At this point in time, we have come to an agreement with Spike Lee and his attorneys, and at this point, the matter is fully resolved," Morgan said."Spike has agreed to generously compensate the McClains for their loss and for the disruption into their lives. He's taken full responsibility."
Lee apologized on Twitter: "I Deeply Apologize To The McClain Family For Retweeting Their Address. It Was A Mistake. Please Leave Them In Peace."
Morgan added that Lee called the McClains to apologize personally.
"He was really kind," Elaine McClain said of the phone call. "And when he called us, you could just tell he really felt bad about it. And it was just a slip."
"I just know that he really, really has been concerned."
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Comments (35 Total)
Ginnie is playing the part of someone she's not. A coward at best.
Spike Lee is a racist biggot.
Ginnie, I am glad your son helped you with this matter. I'm happy for your friend, she should take you on the cruise! Best of luck.
Ginnie, I so hope you're for real...because this TROLL is EVERYWHERE!!
Eleckra and Karen thank you so much for your concern. This was very upsetting to me because honestly I have never had threats of violence made to me. Never. Brian, I suddenly understand your work is important. I am an adult and I was afraid. How do children deal with this? To update you, I have referred this matter to my son who assures me that this is one person with pretend names and not multiple as I had initially feared. The site is checking this for us. We went to the station today and they put it on file. Apparently we can all be tracked by a unique code on our computer so no threats are really anonymous. This means that if the person is ever arrested this can be used as evidence of propensity to harm others. I will be limiting my internet time but my son will now track this matter with site administrators. Thank you once again for your concern Elektra, Karen and Brian! To my would-be tormentor, you finally found a "victim" who stands up to bullies!!I hope you find many others.