The producers of F9: The Fast Saga — the ninth Fast & Furious entry — have admitted liability over an accident that caused “life-changing” injuries to a stunt performer.
What happened on the set of F9: The Fast Saga?
In a recent filing in the U.K.’s High Court (via Variety), FF9 Pictures Limited — a subsidiary of Universal Pictures — accepted they were to blame for an accident that left stunt performer Joe Watts injured.
“It is admitted that the sole cause of the accident was the negligence of [FF9 Pictures Limited] its servants or agents or those for whom it is vicariously liable,” the company wrote, also noting that it wasn’t making any negligence claims against Watts.
During the filming of the movie in 2019, Watts was rehearsing a fight scene at Leavesden Studios as a stand-in for Vin Diesel. Watts was then thrown over a balcony and onto a concrete floor from over twenty feet.
Watts alleges a safety wire meant to stop him from falling to the ground malfunctioned. As a result, he missed the safety mat. Watts suffered a fractured skull, traumatic brain injury, psychiatric injury, and damage to his shoulder; he was in a coma for five days following the accident. His lawyers claim Watts has been left with “a series of cognitive and physical issues” that require specialist support and therapy.
While the producers behind the film may have acknowledged liability, the case is not resolved just yet. Watts’ compensation is set to be assessed by the court or agreed to by both Watts and FF9 Limited, which has yet to occur.
In its defense statement, FF9 Limited said that they wouldn’t make “further admissions” on Watt’s injuries, and refused to comment on compensation to Watts. The LLC noted that they would be looking at “expert evidence” to advise on what might be most appropriate.
In a statement to Variety, Watts said he was “grateful” that FF9 Limited admitted liability. He now calls on the film industry to make their standards and practices safer for people like him.
“It’s been almost four years since the accident, and during that time I’ve worked incredibly hard on my recovery,” said Watts. “I know I’ll never get back to performing, which still upsets me, but I’m determined to get my life back on track as best I can. I’m therefore grateful that FF9 Limited has admitted liability and now call on the film industry to make their sets safer for those working on it. I wouldn’t wish what I went through on anyone.”