On June 2009 Bret Michaels, according to reports, was at the Tony Awards and hit in the head with a set piece. Michaels has claimed that this caused brain injuries and a brain hemorrhage that nearly killed him, in addition to a busted lip and broken nose. Along with the physical damages he suffered, he claimed because CBS aired the mishap, he suffered emotional distraught as well.

The former Poison frontman and reality television star did not state how much he was seeking when he sued, but stated the injury hurt his ability to perform at later shows.