1 00:00:06,300 --> 00:00:09,300 You own a nonprofit grocery store 2 00:00:09,367 --> 00:00:11,400 where you were gonna use it to film your show? 3 00:00:11,467 --> 00:00:13,734 The initial script has chickens and a horse in it. 4 00:00:14,734 --> 00:00:17,000 You were gonna put a horse and a chicken in there? 5 00:00:17,066 --> 00:00:19,266 I found out about a chicken and a horse about a week ago. 6 00:00:19,333 --> 00:00:21,000 That's the part of the script. It's written in there. 7 00:00:21,066 --> 00:00:24,367 You sent me a script too, but it's not my job to read your script, 8 00:00:24,433 --> 00:00:25,433 and it's not his job. 9 00:00:25,500 --> 00:00:28,133 [announcer] Now on Tribunal Justice. 10 00:00:28,200 --> 00:00:31,700 ["Ride of the Valkyries" plays] 11 00:00:49,567 --> 00:00:52,567 [announcer] Today's case was filed in Atlanta, Georgia. 12 00:00:53,867 --> 00:00:58,166 [Cassandra] Your Honor, this is case number 2016, Medley versus Jones. 13 00:00:58,233 --> 00:00:59,700 All parties have been sworn in. 14 00:00:59,767 --> 00:01:01,066 - Thank you, Cassandra. - You're welcome. 15 00:01:01,133 --> 00:01:02,166 You may be seated. 16 00:01:02,233 --> 00:01:03,367 [Judge DiMango] Ms. Medley, 17 00:01:03,433 --> 00:01:06,834 you are a local filmmaker in Atlanta, Georgia. 18 00:01:06,900 --> 00:01:08,900 - Yes. - [Judge DiMango] And Mr. Jones, 19 00:01:08,967 --> 00:01:13,300 you own a nonprofit grocery store called The Grocery Spot. 20 00:01:13,367 --> 00:01:15,400 - Yes, ma'am. - [Judge DiMango] Now, Ms. Medley, 21 00:01:15,467 --> 00:01:18,533 you say you were looking for a venue to film your third 22 00:01:18,600 --> 00:01:21,533 episode of your series called-- what's it called? 23 00:01:21,600 --> 00:01:25,834 It's called Da Stow, D-A-S-T-O-W, Da Stow. 24 00:01:25,900 --> 00:01:28,333 - And meaning the store as well as the... - [Rashawn] Meaning the store. 25 00:01:28,400 --> 00:01:32,834 So the south says Da Stow, out west or up north they say, the store. 26 00:01:32,900 --> 00:01:34,967 So, um, it's, you know, as a character that I have. 27 00:01:35,033 --> 00:01:36,100 [Judge DiMango] Okay. Very good. 28 00:01:36,166 --> 00:01:38,133 And you say that you saw the defendant's store, 29 00:01:38,200 --> 00:01:40,500 you actually loved it, and so you agreed 30 00:01:40,567 --> 00:01:43,734 to a contract with them where you were gonna use it to film your show. 31 00:01:43,800 --> 00:01:46,633 You say, however, that he breached his contract to you 32 00:01:46,700 --> 00:01:48,767 and owes you $2,800. 33 00:01:48,834 --> 00:01:52,033 Mr. Jones, you say that you don't owe her anything, 34 00:01:52,100 --> 00:01:54,900 but in fact, she stayed two hours, according to you, 35 00:01:54,967 --> 00:01:57,233 beyond the time that she was supposed to be there. 36 00:01:57,300 --> 00:01:58,300 - Not true. - [Judge DiMango] And so you interposed 37 00:01:58,366 --> 00:02:00,533 a counterclaim for $500 38 00:02:00,600 --> 00:02:02,133 for the two hours of overtime. 39 00:02:02,200 --> 00:02:04,000 - Yes, ma'am. - [Judge DiMango] So Ms. Medley, 40 00:02:04,066 --> 00:02:05,367 what's the theme of your show? 41 00:02:05,433 --> 00:02:08,199 Well, it's about a character that can't keep a job anywhere. 42 00:02:08,265 --> 00:02:10,199 Every job she goes to, she gets fired. 43 00:02:10,265 --> 00:02:11,533 - So that's just it. - [Judge DiMango] Okay. 44 00:02:11,600 --> 00:02:13,367 I think we have a brief clip that... 45 00:02:13,433 --> 00:02:14,567 - [Judge Acker] I'd love to see it. - ... might be interesting, 46 00:02:14,633 --> 00:02:16,100 Da Stow, correct? 47 00:02:16,166 --> 00:02:17,867 - [Rashawn] [laughs] Yeah. - I like it when you say it. 48 00:02:17,934 --> 00:02:20,800 Yeah, I like it. Thanks to the Southern accent that I have, right? 49 00:02:20,867 --> 00:02:22,166 - Da Stow. - [Rashawn] Da Stow. 50 00:02:23,567 --> 00:02:24,567 - [woman] Ms. Wan. - [telephone ringing] 51 00:02:24,633 --> 00:02:25,633 [indistinct] for finishing. 52 00:02:25,700 --> 00:02:27,867 [woman] Please bag me one of those big box of the cranberries, please, 53 00:02:27,934 --> 00:02:29,633 the big box of cranberries, the cereal. 54 00:02:30,266 --> 00:02:31,300 Okay. 55 00:02:33,966 --> 00:02:36,633 [Judge DiMango] So that was basically the woman who can't keep a job... 56 00:02:36,700 --> 00:02:37,700 - [Rashawn] Yes. - [Judge DiMango] ... trying to figure out 57 00:02:37,767 --> 00:02:39,934 - where to put that one can of food. - [Rashawn] Yes, yes. 58 00:02:40,000 --> 00:02:43,966 Talk to me a little bit, ma'am, about how you found the store, 59 00:02:44,033 --> 00:02:45,567 your negotiations, et cetera, 60 00:02:45,633 --> 00:02:47,367 so that we can get a little background here. 61 00:02:47,433 --> 00:02:51,166 Okay, yes. Um, I found out about the store from a friend of mine. 62 00:02:51,233 --> 00:02:54,533 I do work for Habitat Humanity and help build homes. 63 00:02:54,600 --> 00:02:56,233 So it was one of my Hab friends who told me about it. 64 00:02:56,300 --> 00:02:58,300 You know, it's a nice location, go check it out. 65 00:02:58,367 --> 00:03:00,533 And, uh, the shelves were fully stocked 66 00:03:00,600 --> 00:03:01,967 when I went to visit and everything. 67 00:03:02,033 --> 00:03:04,233 And I was expecting for it to be the same way the day of filming. 68 00:03:04,300 --> 00:03:07,533 [Judge DiMango] Mr. Jones, just for clarification purposes, 69 00:03:07,600 --> 00:03:10,533 this is like a mutual aid nonprofit. 70 00:03:10,600 --> 00:03:13,967 And that's why you rent it out to put back into the store 71 00:03:14,033 --> 00:03:15,500 so that you could pay your employees. 72 00:03:15,567 --> 00:03:19,734 Yes, ma'am. So, uh, our institution is a charity. 73 00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:23,466 And so we serve the community for free as a free grocery store. 74 00:03:23,533 --> 00:03:27,400 And so, we don't, uh, rely off of making a profit off the food. 75 00:03:27,466 --> 00:03:30,000 [Judge DiMango] I understand that. You, sir, as the owner, 76 00:03:30,066 --> 00:03:32,433 were not the person who actually negotiated the contract 77 00:03:32,500 --> 00:03:34,066 with the plaintiff, would that be correct? 78 00:03:34,133 --> 00:03:35,466 No, ma'am, there was no contract. 79 00:03:35,533 --> 00:03:38,233 Uh, we never had a legal binding contract ever. 80 00:03:38,300 --> 00:03:39,867 - It was just... - Well, you did give her the store to use, 81 00:03:39,934 --> 00:03:41,567 so you must have thought there was something in effect. 82 00:03:41,633 --> 00:03:43,734 [Matthew] Yes, ma'am. So we had worked out a price, um... 83 00:03:43,800 --> 00:03:45,000 [Judge DiMango] So what do you call that? 84 00:03:45,066 --> 00:03:47,633 When you work out a price and you do something--it's a contract. 85 00:03:47,700 --> 00:03:48,834 - [Matthew] Yes, ma'am. - [Judge DiMango] You entered in 86 00:03:48,900 --> 00:03:51,800 an oral agreement where you were gonna pay how much, ma'am? 87 00:03:51,867 --> 00:03:53,266 I was gonna pay $2,000. 88 00:03:53,333 --> 00:03:54,700 - [Judge DiMango] For how long? - For four hours. 89 00:03:54,767 --> 00:03:55,767 [Judge DiMango] And originally, 90 00:03:55,834 --> 00:03:57,633 was it a higher price that was offered to you? 91 00:03:57,700 --> 00:04:00,233 [Rashawn] Yes, it was a $4,000 for the entire day. 92 00:04:00,300 --> 00:04:01,300 I couldn't afford that. 93 00:04:01,367 --> 00:04:04,433 So, um, you know, I took some time and my friends and family helped me 94 00:04:04,500 --> 00:04:06,800 to be able to afford the $2,000. 95 00:04:06,867 --> 00:04:08,567 [Judge DiMango] And what were you expecting 96 00:04:08,633 --> 00:04:10,633 when you agreed to rent the store? 97 00:04:10,700 --> 00:04:13,400 I was expecting a full store to be stocked 98 00:04:13,467 --> 00:04:15,767 so that we could start doing filming and everything. 99 00:04:15,834 --> 00:04:16,834 [Judge DiMango] But did you tell them that? 100 00:04:16,899 --> 00:04:17,966 - [Rashawn] Yes, I did. - [Judge DiMango] When did you 101 00:04:18,033 --> 00:04:20,233 - tell them that? - I told them that before the 20th, 102 00:04:20,300 --> 00:04:22,667 because the initial shoot date was supposed to be on the 20th 103 00:04:22,734 --> 00:04:24,266 and they canceled for that date. 104 00:04:24,332 --> 00:04:26,734 [Judge DiMango] Because we have a series of messages back and forth 105 00:04:26,800 --> 00:04:29,967 and I didn't see in there anything indicating that you said, 106 00:04:30,033 --> 00:04:31,667 "And I expect the shelves to be fully stocked." 107 00:04:31,734 --> 00:04:34,100 Yeah, I was--it was on the phone when I talked to Christy on the phone. 108 00:04:34,166 --> 00:04:36,367 [Judge DiMango] But why would they wanna set up your set? 109 00:04:36,433 --> 00:04:39,066 I don't see where that would be their responsibility. 110 00:04:39,133 --> 00:04:40,867 So when we do one of these typically, 111 00:04:40,933 --> 00:04:42,200 because it looks like a grocery store, 112 00:04:42,266 --> 00:04:43,967 so they shoot their thing and then they leave. 113 00:04:44,033 --> 00:04:46,500 If they need groceries on the shelves or signs up, 114 00:04:46,567 --> 00:04:48,533 they would fill the shelves themselves. 115 00:04:48,600 --> 00:04:53,066 Um, the way our store operates, we feed 400 to 500 people per day, 116 00:04:53,133 --> 00:04:55,500 and we do a hundred thousand pounds of food per week. 117 00:04:55,567 --> 00:04:59,332 And so we don't hold on to food because it's gone every 24 hours. 118 00:04:59,400 --> 00:05:00,667 Okay. So let me pause you. 119 00:05:00,734 --> 00:05:03,800 So there were two different expectations here, which tells me 120 00:05:03,867 --> 00:05:07,800 that there was not a meeting of the minds to complete that portion 121 00:05:07,867 --> 00:05:10,767 of the contract with regard to what the store was about. 122 00:05:10,834 --> 00:05:13,834 You were expecting, it's a grocery store, there's gonna be groceries, 123 00:05:13,900 --> 00:05:17,633 and you're saying, "Hey, this grocery store feeds 500 people a day. 124 00:05:17,700 --> 00:05:18,867 - There's barely gonna be anything." - Yes, ma'am. 125 00:05:18,934 --> 00:05:20,433 [Judge DiMango] And I'm not coming in tomorrow morning 126 00:05:20,500 --> 00:05:22,734 - and restocking for your show. - For your production. 127 00:05:22,800 --> 00:05:24,400 [Judge DiMango] Let's move on to the second point. 128 00:05:24,467 --> 00:05:28,000 The second thing you were complaining about is that he didn't read your script. 129 00:05:28,066 --> 00:05:29,567 And so had he read your script, 130 00:05:29,633 --> 00:05:31,834 you felt that he would have been able to understand 131 00:05:31,900 --> 00:05:33,567 some of the issues you were gonna encounter, 132 00:05:33,633 --> 00:05:36,233 - like you had dogs on the set. - [Rashawn] Yeah, yeah, I had-- 133 00:05:36,300 --> 00:05:38,900 all right, the initial script has chickens and a horse in it. 134 00:05:38,967 --> 00:05:40,166 - You know, so... - [Judge DiMango] Well, you weren't gonna 135 00:05:40,233 --> 00:05:41,233 - expect that... - ... they was--they was gonna... 136 00:05:41,300 --> 00:05:42,400 [Judge DiMango] ... he was gonna put them in there. 137 00:05:42,467 --> 00:05:44,133 Yeah, I was gonna be bringing them with me on the 20th when I came. 138 00:05:44,200 --> 00:05:46,400 But wait, you're just telling me you can't stock it 139 00:05:46,467 --> 00:05:48,166 and you're gonna put a horse and a chicken in there... 140 00:05:48,233 --> 00:05:49,233 - [Rashawn] Just on the outside. - ... on top of everything else? 141 00:05:49,300 --> 00:05:51,567 He has a nice outside area and that's the part of the script. 142 00:05:51,633 --> 00:05:53,033 It's written in there. And he never said-- 143 00:05:53,100 --> 00:05:54,100 I sent them the script and never said... 144 00:05:54,166 --> 00:05:55,166 [Judge DiMango] I got to be honest with you... 145 00:05:55,233 --> 00:05:57,200 you sent me a script too, but it's not my job 146 00:05:57,266 --> 00:05:58,767 to read your script and it's not his job. 147 00:05:58,834 --> 00:06:00,800 I found out about a chicken and a horse about a week ago. 148 00:06:00,867 --> 00:06:03,033 I did not read the script at all. I never read the script. 149 00:06:03,100 --> 00:06:04,300 - Yeah, I know. - [Matthew] I expect them to bring 150 00:06:04,367 --> 00:06:06,166 their production team to come do the work. 151 00:06:06,233 --> 00:06:08,100 [Judge DiMango] And another issue was that you claimed that 152 00:06:08,166 --> 00:06:11,133 there were problems with the bathroom and that you had an individual 153 00:06:11,200 --> 00:06:14,166 who was handicapped, one of your actors, 154 00:06:14,233 --> 00:06:16,033 and that that created some problems. 155 00:06:16,100 --> 00:06:17,200 - Is that correct? - [Rashawn] Yes, ma'am. 156 00:06:17,266 --> 00:06:19,834 He told them, did not allow us to use the restroom at all. 157 00:06:19,900 --> 00:06:21,400 - His employee that opened the door. - [Judge DiMango] Did you ever say 158 00:06:21,467 --> 00:06:22,700 - they couldn't use the restroom? - [Matthew] No, ma'am. 159 00:06:22,767 --> 00:06:23,767 - That never happened. So that... - It's true. 160 00:06:23,834 --> 00:06:26,300 ... what she's not sharing with you is there's two restrooms on this location. 161 00:06:26,367 --> 00:06:28,600 That location, um, again, we're open to the public. 162 00:06:28,667 --> 00:06:29,667 [Judge DiMango] Which one is this one, sir? 163 00:06:29,734 --> 00:06:31,934 [Matthew] That's the out of order bathroom number two 164 00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:35,834 and I didn't stop the shoot because I had a second alternative restroom 165 00:06:35,900 --> 00:06:36,900 available that you could have come in. 166 00:06:36,967 --> 00:06:38,734 [Judge DiMango] And were they-- because I don't have a photograph of that. 167 00:06:38,800 --> 00:06:39,800 - You did not include... - [Matthew] They didn't take... 168 00:06:39,867 --> 00:06:41,200 - ... that in your evidence, ma'am. - Correct. 169 00:06:42,834 --> 00:06:45,467 [announcer] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 170 00:06:45,533 --> 00:06:48,400 I've never seen this guy and I don't know what bus stop the guy work from at, 171 00:06:48,467 --> 00:06:49,700 but he's a... 172 00:06:49,767 --> 00:06:51,100 - See, that's a... - I don't know what he's talking about. 173 00:06:51,166 --> 00:06:52,433 - Ma'am, listen. - Okay. I'm gonna stop you. 174 00:06:52,500 --> 00:06:53,567 - This is ridiculous. - [Matthew] Ma'am. 175 00:06:53,633 --> 00:06:55,133 [dramatic musical sting] 176 00:06:56,834 --> 00:06:58,633 [theme music plays] 177 00:06:58,700 --> 00:07:00,133 [announcer] Filmmaker Rashawn Medley 178 00:07:00,200 --> 00:07:03,400 is suing grocery store owner Matthew Jones. 179 00:07:03,467 --> 00:07:06,934 Rashawn claims Matthew agreed to let his store be used for filming, 180 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:09,934 but his store wasn't prepared and in disarray. 181 00:07:10,000 --> 00:07:13,166 Matthew is countersuing because he claims her film crew 182 00:07:13,233 --> 00:07:16,433 refused to leave when their time was up. 183 00:07:16,500 --> 00:07:18,667 [Judge DiMango] So Ms. Medley, I believe we have here your witness, 184 00:07:18,734 --> 00:07:22,266 Ms. Jones. We'll have her testify via Chime. 185 00:07:22,332 --> 00:07:24,200 Can we please put her up on the screen? 186 00:07:24,900 --> 00:07:28,967 Ms. Jones, how was your experience at this shoot? 187 00:07:29,033 --> 00:07:33,100 [Dana] Well, when I arrived-- when I arrived there, 188 00:07:33,166 --> 00:07:38,367 the lady was telling us we had the wrong location and... 189 00:07:38,433 --> 00:07:39,500 [Judge DiMango] Okay. There was a woman there-- 190 00:07:39,567 --> 00:07:42,266 I just wanna clear it up-- who indicated to you that you 191 00:07:42,332 --> 00:07:44,100 should not be there, correct? 192 00:07:44,166 --> 00:07:45,767 - Right. Correct. - [Judge DiMango] Okay. 193 00:07:45,834 --> 00:07:47,967 And, um, I was like, "No, 194 00:07:48,033 --> 00:07:51,266 this is the right address she gave me." 195 00:07:51,332 --> 00:07:53,033 But ultimately, you were able to stay. 196 00:07:53,100 --> 00:07:54,500 - Is that correct? - [Dana] Yes. 197 00:07:54,567 --> 00:07:57,332 And, um, when you're a wheelchair user, 198 00:07:57,867 --> 00:08:00,700 you have to notice things, 199 00:08:00,767 --> 00:08:03,467 you know, of what you're gonna encounter. 200 00:08:03,533 --> 00:08:08,033 The bathroom was like, kind of, blocked and closed. 201 00:08:08,100 --> 00:08:10,533 So I knew right then and there, 202 00:08:10,600 --> 00:08:12,767 I couldn't drink anything 203 00:08:12,834 --> 00:08:16,200 because if I have to drink something, I'm gonna have to go. 204 00:08:16,266 --> 00:08:18,133 - [laughs] Okay. - [Dana] [laughs] 205 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:20,433 Thank you. Thanks for your testimony. 206 00:08:20,500 --> 00:08:23,633 So these were your issues with what you're claiming 207 00:08:23,700 --> 00:08:27,133 caused your breach of contract between the defendant and with you. 208 00:08:27,200 --> 00:08:28,500 Would that be correct? 209 00:08:28,567 --> 00:08:32,000 Yes, and I arrived early that day because I knew Ms. Dana was coming. 210 00:08:32,066 --> 00:08:35,467 Thank God I did get there because one of his employees was, 211 00:08:35,533 --> 00:08:37,433 "They're not doing anything today. Go, go." 212 00:08:37,500 --> 00:08:38,500 [Judge DiMango] That was the woman that she was 213 00:08:38,567 --> 00:08:39,567 - referring to. - Yes. 214 00:08:39,633 --> 00:08:41,799 Was that one of your employees who told her to leave or was that a neighbor? 215 00:08:41,866 --> 00:08:43,567 Yes, ma'am. So that--it's a neighbor who lives 216 00:08:43,633 --> 00:08:46,433 in the neighborhood who we have do our cleaning service for us. 217 00:08:46,500 --> 00:08:49,900 And she isn't someone who I would keep up to date about necessarily 218 00:08:49,967 --> 00:08:51,133 about what's going on in daily operations. 219 00:08:51,200 --> 00:08:53,000 - Right. - [Matthew] Uh, she did approach them 220 00:08:53,066 --> 00:08:54,800 and say, "You're not supposed to be here." 221 00:08:54,867 --> 00:08:56,767 - And then they stayed, obviously. - [Judge DiMango] Okay. 222 00:08:56,834 --> 00:08:59,633 Now, you were not able to set up at all 223 00:08:59,700 --> 00:09:02,200 because you couldn't get access until 9:00. 224 00:09:02,266 --> 00:09:03,734 - Would that be correct? - Yes. 225 00:09:03,800 --> 00:09:05,233 [Judge DiMango] But when did you rent it from? 226 00:09:05,300 --> 00:09:06,300 From 9:00 to 1:00? 227 00:09:06,367 --> 00:09:07,367 From 9:00 to 1:00, yes. 228 00:09:07,433 --> 00:09:10,934 [Judge DiMango] And so, that would include you being able to go in and set up. 229 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:12,300 You didn't rent shoot time. 230 00:09:12,367 --> 00:09:14,033 You rented use time. 231 00:09:14,100 --> 00:09:18,266 Now, Mr. Jones, your counterclaim involves $500, 232 00:09:18,333 --> 00:09:21,600 because you're saying that she stayed two hours beyond the 1:00. 233 00:09:21,667 --> 00:09:23,300 Yes, ma'am. So I wanted to break that down for you. 234 00:09:23,367 --> 00:09:27,000 So there--she showed up at 8:00 AM and then she left at 2:00 PM, 235 00:09:27,066 --> 00:09:28,066 - so that's the two hours. - [Judge DiMango] But she didn't-- 236 00:09:28,133 --> 00:09:29,967 she just indicated she didn't come onto your property until 9:00. 237 00:09:30,033 --> 00:09:31,033 - That's not true. - [Rashawn] That's true. That is true. 238 00:09:31,100 --> 00:09:32,266 That's not--that's not true. 239 00:09:32,333 --> 00:09:33,600 Jeff is the one who showed up. 240 00:09:33,667 --> 00:09:34,800 Jeff, would you step up, please? 241 00:09:34,867 --> 00:09:35,867 - [Jefferey] Yes, ma'am. - Thank you. 242 00:09:35,934 --> 00:09:38,200 [Rashawn] I've never seen this guy, and I don't know what bus stop 243 00:09:38,266 --> 00:09:41,100 they got him from at, but he's--I don't know... 244 00:09:41,165 --> 00:09:42,165 - [Matthew] See, that's... - ... what he's talking about. 245 00:09:42,233 --> 00:09:43,233 - Ma'am, listen. - Okay. I'm gonna stop you. 246 00:09:43,300 --> 00:09:44,934 - This is ridiculous. - [Jefferey] Ma'am, I tried 247 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:46,600 to introduce myself, she ignored me. 248 00:09:46,667 --> 00:09:48,800 And I was trying to tell her I was the director 249 00:09:48,867 --> 00:09:49,867 of operations out there. 250 00:09:49,934 --> 00:09:51,967 I was ready to set everything up for her. 251 00:09:52,033 --> 00:09:54,233 We do--we do not have things on the shelf, 252 00:09:54,300 --> 00:09:56,367 but we do have stuff in storage that I-- 253 00:09:56,433 --> 00:09:59,467 that we could've set up for her, but by her not communicating with me-- 254 00:09:59,533 --> 00:10:01,867 Did you actually end up putting stuff on the shelves for her? 255 00:10:01,934 --> 00:10:05,567 I have--I have a couple of employees move all the products out the store 256 00:10:05,633 --> 00:10:07,266 and set a couple of things on the shelf. 257 00:10:07,333 --> 00:10:08,533 - [Judge DiMango] Okay. - But again, she did not... 258 00:10:08,600 --> 00:10:09,667 - [Judge DiMango] Okay. - ... communicate with me, so... 259 00:10:09,734 --> 00:10:10,800 - That's not true. - [Judge DiMango] Okay. 260 00:10:10,867 --> 00:10:12,467 Well, what time did you get there? 261 00:10:12,533 --> 00:10:14,133 Uh, I got there at 8:30, ma'am. 262 00:10:14,200 --> 00:10:15,500 [Judge DiMango] And who was there at 8:30? 263 00:10:15,567 --> 00:10:17,066 Uh, she was, her and her crew. 264 00:10:17,133 --> 00:10:18,367 [Judge DiMango] But was she inside the premises 265 00:10:18,433 --> 00:10:19,800 or was she at your door on the property? 266 00:10:19,867 --> 00:10:22,867 She was actually inside the premises because one of my employees 267 00:10:22,934 --> 00:10:25,400 actually get there early, and he opened up the doors. 268 00:10:25,467 --> 00:10:26,600 [Judge DiMango] What time did she leave? 269 00:10:26,667 --> 00:10:28,233 [Jefferey] Uh, they left around 3:00. 270 00:10:28,300 --> 00:10:32,000 So then you're saying she got there a half hour early, left two hours late. 271 00:10:32,066 --> 00:10:33,567 - Yes. - [Judge DiMango] And that's the basis 272 00:10:33,633 --> 00:10:34,734 - for your counterclaim. - [Matthew] Yes, ma'am. 273 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:36,934 Initially, you did not interpose a counterclaim 274 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:38,533 or you did this right from the start? 275 00:10:38,600 --> 00:10:42,033 We did not until--we didn't know there was an issue with the shoot. 276 00:10:42,100 --> 00:10:44,600 We thought the movie went off without a hitch, 277 00:10:44,667 --> 00:10:46,033 and then I got served papers. 278 00:10:46,100 --> 00:10:48,900 And so this is all--everything is kind of just news to us 279 00:10:48,967 --> 00:10:52,066 as we're finding out what the claims are and what the problems were, 280 00:10:52,133 --> 00:10:53,367 because there was no communication. 281 00:10:53,433 --> 00:10:56,633 Do you have anything to indicate that she was there beyond the time? 282 00:10:56,700 --> 00:10:57,700 - [Matthew] No, ma'am, I don't. - [Judge DiMango] Do you have any clocks 283 00:10:57,767 --> 00:10:59,033 - in and clock out? - No, just our word. 284 00:10:59,100 --> 00:11:02,300 And your position is that you were there beyond the 1:00, 285 00:11:02,367 --> 00:11:04,867 at least for a half hour, because he agreed to let you go 286 00:11:04,934 --> 00:11:06,400 a half hour for free, correct? 287 00:11:06,467 --> 00:11:07,467 Uh-hmm. Yes. 288 00:11:07,533 --> 00:11:09,834 And he was on the phone with Christy, and that's when I found out 289 00:11:09,900 --> 00:11:12,967 about the $200 deal or $200 every half hour. 290 00:11:13,033 --> 00:11:15,800 And I said, you know, I said, "Well, we--I've lost out time. 291 00:11:15,867 --> 00:11:17,433 I had to reschedule my day." 292 00:11:17,500 --> 00:11:19,867 All I hear here is that there was no communication, 293 00:11:19,934 --> 00:11:21,333 no meeting of the minds. 294 00:11:21,400 --> 00:11:23,433 And that's an issue when a contract is involved. 295 00:11:23,500 --> 00:11:25,000 - Judge Levy. - [Judge Levy] First of all, 296 00:11:25,066 --> 00:11:26,667 Ms. Medley, I wanna say, 297 00:11:26,734 --> 00:11:29,867 working in Habitat for Humanity and helping build homes 298 00:11:29,934 --> 00:11:31,066 for people who don't have them, 299 00:11:31,133 --> 00:11:32,500 - that's a real special thing to do... - Thank you. 300 00:11:32,567 --> 00:11:34,333 - ... and I wanna say thank you for that. - [Rashawn] Thank you. 301 00:11:34,400 --> 00:11:36,600 And likewise, Mr. Jones, thank you and your team 302 00:11:36,667 --> 00:11:39,600 for doing what you do in your community by providing food 303 00:11:39,667 --> 00:11:42,133 for people who need some help purchasing that food. 304 00:11:42,200 --> 00:11:44,500 Having said that, Ms. Medley, you're the plaintiff. 305 00:11:44,567 --> 00:11:48,333 And it's your burden to prove that there was a breach of this contract. 306 00:11:48,400 --> 00:11:52,934 So in February, you guys agreed orally to the $2,000 amount. 307 00:11:53,000 --> 00:11:54,000 - Yes. - [Judge Levy] Correct? 308 00:11:54,066 --> 00:11:55,834 - Yes, sir. - [Judge Levy] And the only text message 309 00:11:55,900 --> 00:11:58,800 that I saw with respect to money 310 00:11:58,867 --> 00:12:00,433 was that one, in April. 311 00:12:00,500 --> 00:12:02,900 Four hours, $2,000. 312 00:12:02,967 --> 00:12:05,533 Yes, sir. There was another text message as well about the money, 313 00:12:05,600 --> 00:12:07,633 uh, and that was, "We will give you your money back 314 00:12:07,700 --> 00:12:09,133 because we had an act of God happen." 315 00:12:09,200 --> 00:12:11,066 - Force majeure... - [Matthew] Yes, sir. 316 00:12:11,133 --> 00:12:12,333 - ... is what it's called, right? - [Matthew] Yes, sir. 317 00:12:12,400 --> 00:12:16,000 [Judge Levy] You're supposed to tape the show around May 18th or so, correct? 318 00:12:16,066 --> 00:12:17,700 - Yes. - [Judge Levy] And then you're notified, 319 00:12:17,767 --> 00:12:20,633 just a day or two before, that there is an event. 320 00:12:20,700 --> 00:12:22,033 - [Rashawn] Yes. - Tell me about that. 321 00:12:22,100 --> 00:12:26,633 Yeah. Um, they told me that the refrigerators had to be replaced. 322 00:12:26,700 --> 00:12:28,767 [Judge Levy] That's what force majeure means. 323 00:12:28,834 --> 00:12:32,333 In contracts, people in your position will put a clause in a contract 324 00:12:32,400 --> 00:12:36,667 saying that if there was an act of God or if the electricity went out... 325 00:12:36,734 --> 00:12:37,934 - Yes, sir. - [Judge Levy] ... and the lights 326 00:12:38,000 --> 00:12:41,233 couldn't come on, being no fault of the defendants, 327 00:12:41,300 --> 00:12:45,200 then they could not be charged with a breach of that contract 328 00:12:45,266 --> 00:12:46,934 because they weren't responsible for it. 329 00:12:47,000 --> 00:12:49,467 So he told you that there was a problem. 330 00:12:49,533 --> 00:12:53,033 They even offered you an opportunity to take back a full refund. 331 00:12:53,100 --> 00:12:54,165 Or to change the date. 332 00:12:54,233 --> 00:12:56,100 [Judge Levy] Right. You chose to reschedule. 333 00:12:56,165 --> 00:12:58,533 Yes, I did, because I was trying to do my production. 334 00:12:58,600 --> 00:12:59,800 [Judge Levy] I get that. 335 00:12:59,867 --> 00:13:03,066 Now, show me a piece of paper, show me an email, 336 00:13:03,133 --> 00:13:04,600 show me a text message 337 00:13:04,667 --> 00:13:07,300 in which you told them that you were gonna bring the horses, 338 00:13:07,367 --> 00:13:09,400 the chickens, the actress who was in a wheelchair 339 00:13:09,467 --> 00:13:10,500 that needed access to bathrooms. 340 00:13:10,567 --> 00:13:14,467 I sent them the, um, copy of--outline of the script where they were in it. 341 00:13:14,533 --> 00:13:16,033 [Judge Levy] All that was in the script. 342 00:13:16,100 --> 00:13:18,467 And you hoped they would read it, right? 343 00:13:18,533 --> 00:13:20,500 That's what you were hoping for. 344 00:13:20,567 --> 00:13:23,700 - [Rashawn] Yes. - And as my wife says, hope is dope. 345 00:13:23,767 --> 00:13:25,433 [laughter] 346 00:13:25,500 --> 00:13:29,700 But unfortunately, a contract, it does not make. 347 00:13:31,233 --> 00:13:33,867 [announcer] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 348 00:13:33,934 --> 00:13:36,266 How many productions have you been involved with? 349 00:13:36,333 --> 00:13:37,600 What's your background? 350 00:13:37,667 --> 00:13:40,367 How did you get involved in the media business? 351 00:13:40,433 --> 00:13:41,600 [dramatic musical sting] 352 00:13:43,500 --> 00:13:45,200 [theme music plays] 353 00:13:45,266 --> 00:13:48,934 [announcer] After booking Matthew Jones' grocery store for her film shoot, 354 00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:51,867 Rashawn Medley says the store was in disarray 355 00:13:51,934 --> 00:13:55,300 and is now suing the grocer for her location fee. 356 00:13:55,367 --> 00:13:57,900 Matthew is countersuing for the extra hours 357 00:13:57,967 --> 00:14:00,400 her film crew needed to finish the project. 358 00:14:00,467 --> 00:14:02,467 [Judge Levy] Now, we have a Chime witness, do we not? 359 00:14:02,533 --> 00:14:04,266 I believe, Mr. Jones, this is one of your witnesses? 360 00:14:04,333 --> 00:14:06,667 [Matthew] This--yeah. This is my, uh, business associate, Christy. 361 00:14:06,734 --> 00:14:07,800 - [Judge Levy] All right. - Christy Betz. 362 00:14:07,867 --> 00:14:10,000 And she's the one who did all the communications. 363 00:14:10,066 --> 00:14:11,300 [Judge Levy] Uh, your name, ma'am? 364 00:14:11,367 --> 00:14:12,600 Christy Betz. 365 00:14:12,667 --> 00:14:15,600 [Judge Levy] And how are you associated with the defendant's business? 366 00:14:15,667 --> 00:14:18,533 [Christy] Um, I'm the co-executive director with Matt. 367 00:14:18,600 --> 00:14:20,233 [Judge Levy] And what, if any, communications did you have 368 00:14:20,300 --> 00:14:23,734 with the plaintiff regarding the shooting of this movie? 369 00:14:23,800 --> 00:14:26,467 We spoke on the phone originally and then 370 00:14:26,533 --> 00:14:29,066 I guess it was the day or day-- two days before the shoot 371 00:14:29,133 --> 00:14:33,100 I called to let her know that we had had the emergency with the refrigerators 372 00:14:33,165 --> 00:14:36,000 and offered her money back or to reschedule the date. 373 00:14:36,066 --> 00:14:37,433 She picked another date. 374 00:14:37,934 --> 00:14:40,700 And I don't recall hearing anything else from her 375 00:14:40,767 --> 00:14:44,567 until Matt received the summons in the mail from the court. 376 00:14:44,633 --> 00:14:48,066 Ms. Betz, do you remember, during your calls with the plaintiff, 377 00:14:48,133 --> 00:14:52,300 her telling you that she intended to have certain animals in the store? 378 00:14:52,367 --> 00:14:54,000 We never received that information. 379 00:14:54,066 --> 00:14:55,700 If we had heard that, we would have told her 380 00:14:55,767 --> 00:14:58,467 that we could not do that because of legal issues 381 00:14:58,533 --> 00:14:59,867 with running a grocery store. 382 00:14:59,934 --> 00:15:01,700 We can't have animals in the store. 383 00:15:01,767 --> 00:15:04,867 [Judge Levy] Ms. Betz, did the plaintiff tell you that one of her actresses 384 00:15:04,934 --> 00:15:08,400 was in a wheelchair and needed to have access to restrooms? 385 00:15:08,467 --> 00:15:10,834 I had not heard that until the day of. 386 00:15:10,900 --> 00:15:12,967 Ms. Betz, thank you very much for your testimony. 387 00:15:13,033 --> 00:15:17,033 So, Mr. Jones, you know that there was no written agreement 388 00:15:17,100 --> 00:15:19,133 that you had with her regarding 389 00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:23,000 what it was gonna cost for any time over the four hours. 390 00:15:23,066 --> 00:15:24,066 Correct. Yes, sir. 391 00:15:24,133 --> 00:15:28,800 [Judge Levy] And so you only sued her for $500 once you got sued by her, right? 392 00:15:28,867 --> 00:15:30,066 - Yes, sir. - [Judge Levy] Thank you. 393 00:15:30,133 --> 00:15:31,367 Judge Acker. 394 00:15:31,433 --> 00:15:34,467 How many productions have you been involved with? 395 00:15:34,533 --> 00:15:36,967 Um, Da Stow was my own personal, but... 396 00:15:37,033 --> 00:15:38,700 - [Judge Acker] This is the first time? - First time... 397 00:15:38,767 --> 00:15:40,467 - [Judge Acker] This is your baby? - ... for Da Stow--yeah. 398 00:15:40,533 --> 00:15:42,266 [Judge Acker] And what's your background? 399 00:15:42,333 --> 00:15:44,400 How did you get involved in the media business? 400 00:15:44,467 --> 00:15:46,433 I studied at the Art Institute of Atlanta 401 00:15:46,500 --> 00:15:48,467 for video production, and, um, 402 00:15:48,533 --> 00:15:50,467 always loved creating content. 403 00:15:50,533 --> 00:15:52,600 - It's a hard business to crack. - Yes. 404 00:15:52,667 --> 00:15:55,600 It's certainly hard to crack when you don't have 405 00:15:55,667 --> 00:15:58,000 lots and lots of funds behind you. 406 00:15:58,066 --> 00:15:59,165 - Yeah. - [Judge Acker] Now, 407 00:15:59,233 --> 00:16:01,900 you submitted evidence that some store employees 408 00:16:01,967 --> 00:16:03,467 - were getting into the shot? - [Rashawn] Yes. 409 00:16:03,533 --> 00:16:05,000 [Judge Acker] Let's take a look. 410 00:16:06,867 --> 00:16:08,066 [Rashawn] That's his people. 411 00:16:08,133 --> 00:16:09,900 - Those are his people. - [man] Shh, shh. 412 00:16:10,900 --> 00:16:12,133 [Rashawn] There's the cameraman. 413 00:16:12,500 --> 00:16:13,500 Those are his people. 414 00:16:13,567 --> 00:16:14,633 [Judge Acker] What were your employees doing? 415 00:16:14,700 --> 00:16:16,333 [Matthew] They were stocking the shelves with--if you're watching, 416 00:16:16,400 --> 00:16:17,800 - they're stocking the shelves. - The shelves. 417 00:16:17,867 --> 00:16:18,967 [Judge Acker] They're stocking the shelves... 418 00:16:19,033 --> 00:16:20,266 - They're stocking the shelves... - [Judge Acker] ... with the grocery... 419 00:16:20,333 --> 00:16:21,767 And moving the products out of her way. 420 00:16:21,834 --> 00:16:23,767 Next time, you know what, you should hire Byrd. 421 00:16:23,834 --> 00:16:25,433 - [Jefferey laughs] - Hire Byrd. He'll be there. 422 00:16:25,500 --> 00:16:27,166 He'll make sure nobody gets in the shot. 423 00:16:27,233 --> 00:16:29,367 - [Jefferey laughs] - [Judge Acker] He'll keep a really good 424 00:16:29,433 --> 00:16:30,767 handle on things. 425 00:16:30,834 --> 00:16:33,133 Well, they should have been there that morning, like at 8:00, 426 00:16:33,200 --> 00:16:35,367 and so that at 9:00, the door's open for me. 427 00:16:35,433 --> 00:16:40,066 But if you'd spent the time in preproduction that you probably, 428 00:16:40,133 --> 00:16:44,233 subsequently had to spend preparing your lawsuit, we wouldn't be here. 429 00:16:44,300 --> 00:16:48,800 So my hope is that for your next show, you'll be better prepared. 430 00:16:48,867 --> 00:16:50,233 - Good luck to all of you. - [Matthew] Thank you. 431 00:16:50,300 --> 00:16:52,533 All right. We're gonna retire to deliberate at this time. 432 00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:53,633 And Jeff, you may take a seat. 433 00:16:53,700 --> 00:16:55,367 [Cassandra] Court is now in recess. 434 00:16:55,433 --> 00:16:56,900 Parties are excused. 435 00:16:56,967 --> 00:16:59,767 [dramatic musical sting] 436 00:17:01,433 --> 00:17:02,600 Communication. 437 00:17:02,667 --> 00:17:05,834 I mean, you've gotta be so open in your communication 438 00:17:05,900 --> 00:17:07,733 and somehow memorialize it. 439 00:17:07,800 --> 00:17:11,032 But the bottom line is, I don't see my way clear to finding 440 00:17:11,099 --> 00:17:12,967 that she proved her case at all. 441 00:17:13,032 --> 00:17:17,666 I also think she was confusing shoot time with preparation time. 442 00:17:17,733 --> 00:17:21,400 She thought she could go there and set everything up and not really be charged 443 00:17:21,467 --> 00:17:23,666 for using that space at those hours. 444 00:17:23,733 --> 00:17:27,599 By the way, to expect him to read that script which was so lengthy 445 00:17:27,666 --> 00:17:30,300 and so that he could figure out what it was that he thought 446 00:17:30,367 --> 00:17:33,867 she would find important and necessary in the shoot 447 00:17:33,934 --> 00:17:36,266 was just an unrealistic expectation. 448 00:17:36,333 --> 00:17:39,900 And though she really had her heart in it and I could see she was heartbroken 449 00:17:39,967 --> 00:17:42,867 throughout our exam of her, I can't see how she prevails. 450 00:17:42,934 --> 00:17:46,700 Needless to say, when I asked him if it was afterthought for the $500, 451 00:17:46,767 --> 00:17:49,000 he admitted to all of us that it kind of was. 452 00:17:49,066 --> 00:17:50,066 And I don't blame him. He's-- 453 00:17:50,133 --> 00:17:52,567 you're gonna bring me in here, you stayed extra time, 454 00:17:52,633 --> 00:17:53,800 then I want my money, too. 455 00:17:53,867 --> 00:17:56,700 But I don't think he prevailed and he admitted that as well, 456 00:17:56,767 --> 00:17:58,166 so I'd like to dismiss both. 457 00:17:58,233 --> 00:18:02,533 Right. He sued for $500, two hours at $250 an hour, 458 00:18:02,600 --> 00:18:04,600 but there was nowhere where that was memorialized. 459 00:18:04,667 --> 00:18:06,100 And he seemed to understand that as well. 460 00:18:06,166 --> 00:18:09,033 If the extent of her loss, the plaintiff's loss, 461 00:18:09,100 --> 00:18:13,567 is the 2,000 and change, she should chalk it up to a good life's lesson. 462 00:18:13,633 --> 00:18:17,667 Moving forward, she can go online, she can get herself a simple contract 463 00:18:17,734 --> 00:18:21,200 and include in that contract what's important to her, 464 00:18:21,266 --> 00:18:23,066 and that way, everyone's on the same page. 465 00:18:23,133 --> 00:18:28,100 Well said. I think that the two of you have expertly analyzed the legal issues, 466 00:18:28,166 --> 00:18:30,300 but I do have one remaining point, 467 00:18:30,367 --> 00:18:34,767 and I say this as a daughter of someone from the South, 468 00:18:34,834 --> 00:18:35,900 - before... - [Judge Levy laughs] 469 00:18:35,967 --> 00:18:37,200 ... we leave this deliberation. 470 00:18:37,266 --> 00:18:38,834 I wanna hear "Da Stow" 471 00:18:38,900 --> 00:18:40,834 - from a New Yorker. - I'm gonna dismiss "Da Stow" case... 472 00:18:40,900 --> 00:18:42,900 - [Judge Acker laughs] - ... as well as The Grocery Spot. 473 00:18:42,967 --> 00:18:44,800 And I need to hear it from Judge Levy. 474 00:18:44,867 --> 00:18:46,500 No one wants to hear me say that. 475 00:18:46,567 --> 00:18:48,567 - [laughs] - Ute, we want the ute. 476 00:18:48,633 --> 00:18:50,166 [Judge Acker laughs] 477 00:18:50,233 --> 00:18:51,734 Ute [indistinct] it's like going to "Da Stow". 478 00:18:53,266 --> 00:18:54,500 I'm all good. 479 00:18:54,567 --> 00:18:57,400 [dramatic musical sting] 480 00:18:57,467 --> 00:18:58,767 [Cassandra] Court is back in session. 481 00:18:58,834 --> 00:19:01,667 All parties are reminded that you're still under oath. 482 00:19:01,734 --> 00:19:02,734 [Judge DiMango] Thank you. 483 00:19:02,800 --> 00:19:06,333 You know, I tried to look at things to say something good 484 00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:10,166 comes from everything if you look at it the right way. 485 00:19:10,233 --> 00:19:13,734 And I can see, Ms. Medley, that you are heartbroken 486 00:19:13,800 --> 00:19:17,533 in that your dream, your show maybe didn't come to fruition 487 00:19:17,600 --> 00:19:19,066 the way you would have hoped, 488 00:19:19,133 --> 00:19:22,667 but it's all about the contract, 489 00:19:22,734 --> 00:19:24,433 a meeting of the minds. 490 00:19:24,500 --> 00:19:26,467 And if you don't have that, 491 00:19:26,533 --> 00:19:28,700 he can't make something wheelchair-accessible 492 00:19:28,767 --> 00:19:30,967 if he doesn't know there's gonna be a wheelchair. 493 00:19:31,033 --> 00:19:34,200 You don't know whether or not you could bring a horse or chicken or a dog 494 00:19:34,266 --> 00:19:38,166 on set unless you know whether or not there are legal ramifications. 495 00:19:38,233 --> 00:19:41,900 And he is not going to sit down and read your script, 496 00:19:41,967 --> 00:19:46,567 as terrific as it might be, to say, "Oh, there's a chicken in here? 497 00:19:46,633 --> 00:19:49,433 Well, let me see if I should get some chicken feed for her, she"-- 498 00:19:49,500 --> 00:19:51,200 it's just not gonna happen that way. 499 00:19:51,266 --> 00:19:54,233 And so, because of that, we found unanimously, ma'am, 500 00:19:54,300 --> 00:19:58,834 that you did not meet your burden of proof by showing that you had an agreed upon, 501 00:19:58,900 --> 00:20:03,967 meeting of the minds, with the defendant through him directly or his employees. 502 00:20:04,033 --> 00:20:08,467 And sir, your counterclaim for the $500, which we all recognize 503 00:20:08,533 --> 00:20:10,367 and you admitted was an afterthought, 504 00:20:10,433 --> 00:20:13,667 was also not met in the same manner. 505 00:20:13,734 --> 00:20:17,834 You did not make it clear that were there going to be overtime charges, et cetera. 506 00:20:17,900 --> 00:20:21,467 So because each of you lacked that in a contract, ma'am, 507 00:20:21,533 --> 00:20:22,734 your case is dismissed. 508 00:20:22,800 --> 00:20:24,834 Sir, your case is dismissed as well. Thank you. 509 00:20:24,900 --> 00:20:26,033 - [gavel bangs] - Thank you. 510 00:20:26,100 --> 00:20:27,333 This case has concluded. 511 00:20:27,400 --> 00:20:29,000 Both parties are excused. 512 00:20:29,066 --> 00:20:33,000 [theme music plays] 513 00:20:33,066 --> 00:20:34,867 We did the best we can to try to help someone 514 00:20:34,934 --> 00:20:36,900 who made our time there hard and difficult. 515 00:20:36,967 --> 00:20:39,533 Nothing was set up, nothing was prepared for me 516 00:20:39,600 --> 00:20:41,600 to be able to do what I needed to do that day. 517 00:20:41,667 --> 00:20:43,266 It's a shame that she doesn't know what she's doing. 518 00:20:43,333 --> 00:20:46,200 I just have to revamp some things to get my paperwork straight. 519 00:20:46,266 --> 00:20:48,500 Oh, she was very-- she was very ugly and mean. 520 00:20:48,567 --> 00:20:50,100 Da Stow is still on and poppin'. 521 00:20:50,166 --> 00:20:52,133 Yeah. We're glad it's over and maybe you'll see her on 522 00:20:52,200 --> 00:20:53,433 - the big screen one day. - Yeah. 523 00:20:53,500 --> 00:20:54,500 To be continued. 524 00:20:55,133 --> 00:20:56,533 [announcer] Have you been scammed? 525 00:20:56,600 --> 00:21:00,967 Let the majority rule in your favor on Tribunal Justice. 526 00:21:01,033 --> 00:21:03,333 Find us on social media. 527 00:21:03,400 --> 00:21:06,567 ["Ride of the Valkyries" plays]