The sponsors of the 2007 Overseas Chinese Spring Festival
Evening Gala in Los Angeles will be prosecuted by American audience
for breach of contract, deceptive advertising and other
accusations.
Chinese comic star Zhao Benshan, who performed at the gala, is
also named in the lawsuit.
American TV station KSCI reported the show, which opened on
February 24, had sold an excess amount of tickets beyond the
theater's capacity. In addition, the event sponsor had sent out too
many corporate tickets. Consequently, hundreds of audience members
who bought tickets were unable to be seated.
However, the sponsor refused to refund the tickets of audience
members who refused to stand to watch the show. The chaos led the
show to be postponed by 80 minutes.
The lawyer representing the audience said he had already
delivered a petition to the superior court of Pasadena in Los
Angeles County, calling for compensation from Zhao Benshan, Benshan
Media Group, Liu Zhigang and US Edward Cooperation for over one
million yuan.
The lawyer said according to law, Zhao Benshan or his attorney
should respond to the accusation within 30 days. He hopes Zhao
Benshan will take the opportunity to solve the dispute.
An insider said Zhao Benshan's performance in US was excellent
and earnest and recognized by the audience. However, the shoddy
operation with regards to tickets sales has damaged Zhao Benshan's
good image and the splendid performance.
(CRI.cn March 10, 2007)