Iconic Rock Band Settles Lawsuit Over Wheelchair-Bound Performer Denied Stage Access
A South Dakota family has secured a settlement after their 12-year-old daughter, who uses a wheelchair, was barred from performing on stage with the legendary rock band Foreigner. The incident, which occurred in August 2024 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, sparked a federal investigation and has now culminated in a financial agreement and a commitment to improved accessibility.
Halle Bauman, a talented young vocalist and member of the Sioux Falls Children’s Choir, was slated to join Foreigner on stage during their performance. However, just as the choir was preparing to take the stage, Halle was informed that she would not be permitted to participate due to her wheelchair. This decision was reportedly made by the band’s production team, despite the venue’s apparent willingness to accommodate.
The settlement, reached nearly two years after the event, involves Counter Productions, the company responsible for the band’s set and technical arrangements. The United States Department of Justice announced the agreement, which addresses allegations that Counter Productions violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
As part of the settlement, Counter Productions has agreed to pay the Bauman family $23,500. Furthermore, the company is mandated to implement new ADA compliance measures and provide comprehensive training to its employees.
United States Attorney Ron Parsons stated on Friday that the band itself was unaware of the situation and therefore not responsible for the discriminatory action. The Department of Justice release also noted that the PREMIER Center had proactively offered solutions to the production company to ensure the stage was accessible for Halle.
At the time of the incident, reports from KELO-TV indicated that the production team offered a series of excuses for their refusal to allow Halle on stage. According to accounts, some members of the team claimed they were unprepared for a performer with a disability, citing the logistical challenges of quickly installing a ramp and reorganizing the stage setup.
Halle’s mother, Christa Bauman, who was present during the ordeal, expressed her deep disappointment. She highlighted that the family had attended previous events at the PREMIER Center without encountering any accessibility issues. Crucially, Christa stated that she had informed the production company months in advance about Halle’s disability, making the last-minute refusal all the more perplexing.
“Then we were told while driving on our way to the show that they had changed their minds and that Halle’s wheelchair was a hazard onstage,” Christa recounted to the Argus Leader. The upsetting news prompted Christa to turn the car around. She received a call from Katie Kirkland of the PREMIER Center detailing the issue, and with her phone on speaker, Halle overheard the disheartening conversation, making the experience even more traumatic.
“Halle was rightfully hurt and confused and devastated,” Christa recalled, her voice filled with the lingering pain of the moment.
The production team’s explanation for barring Halle also included concerns about pyrotechnics used during the show, deeming the stage an unsafe environment for her. While Christa acknowledged that large-scale productions involve legal considerations, she argued that creative solutions could have been found if the intent was present. “But you also are creative and can figure out a solution if you wanted to,” she stated. “They were lazy and didn’t want to deal with it.”
Following the distressing incident, Foreigner’s bassist, Jeff Pilson, issued a public apology via Facebook. He expressed the band’s “sincerest apologies” and conveyed their deep disappointment in the actions of their team. Pilson emphasized the band’s belief in inclusive music and stated that they were taking steps to ensure future shows are accessible to everyone. He concluded by expressing a desire to make amends and a commitment to improving their practices.
