AGT: Extreme contestant Jonathan Goodwin sues NBC for damages after on-set accident that left him paralyzed
Nearly two years after a catastrophic stunt went wrong during the filming of AGT: Extreme, former stunt performer Jonathan Goodwin has filed a lawsuit against NBC and the show’s producers. The suit alleges the production repeatedly escalated dangerous stunts to attract attention to the America’s Got Talent franchise while failing to provide adequate safety measures, ultimately causing injuries that left Goodwin with life-changing disabilities.
According to the court documents, the accident occurred during a rehearsal on October 21 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Georgia. Goodwin was performing a high-risk stunt when he was crushed and burned by two exploding cars, then fell more than 20 feet and landed violently. The footage of the incident reportedly shows the cars colliding with him in midair, and crew members at the scene initially feared he had died.
Injuries included dislocated spinal cord, loss of left kidney, and third-degree burns
The lawsuit details severe and debilitating injuries: a dislocated spinal cord that has left Goodwin paralyzed, the loss of his left kidney, third-degree burns and multiple fractures to his legs, ribs and shoulders. Beyond the physical trauma, Goodwin describes ongoing mental and emotional suffering arising from what he calls a “catastrophic, life-altering” event.
Goodwin’s filing asserts that production decisions and on-set oversight played a central role in the accident. He alleges the show encouraged ever-bolder stunts to boost ratings, while safety protocols were compromised. Specifically, the complaint claims unqualified personnel were assigned to design and supervise the stunt, essential testing was not conducted — including the lack of a crash dummy test — and producers allegedly controlled or interfered with aspects of the stunt’s execution that should have been managed by experienced stunt coordinators.
The suit seeks damages for his profound and ongoing injuries, medical expenses, and the loss of his previous professional abilities. It accuses the network and production team of failing to adhere to established industry safety standards and of creating an environment where extreme risk-taking was incentivized instead of properly managed.
In the aftermath of the accident, AGT: Extreme experienced filming delays while an internal investigation by the network took place. The show’s one-season format aired in Winter 2022, following those delays. The incident prompted widespread concern within the entertainment community about stunt safety and the responsibilities of producers and networks when showcasing high-risk performances.
Jonathan has shifted to screenwriting and a hypnotherapy practice
Since the accident, Goodwin has been rebuilding his life and pursuing new professional paths. He has been developing work as a screenwriter and has established a hypnotherapy practice called Project Rewire. He also maintains a social media presence to share updates with followers, although he has not posted to his Instagram account since early October. Goodwin has publicly supported his partner, actress Amanda Abbington, who has been competing on the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing.
While Goodwin previously refrained from publicly criticizing the show, network or specific figures involved immediately after the accident, his new legal action makes clear he attributes responsibility for his injuries to decisions made by the production. The lawsuit aims to hold those parties accountable and to obtain compensation for the extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and lifelong impacts that followed the rehearsal incident.
The case adds to ongoing conversations about how television productions balance spectacle with safety, especially when stunts involve extreme risk. Producers and networks face increased scrutiny over their duty of care to performers and the protocols required to minimize catastrophic outcomes. As Goodwin’s suit proceeds, it may prompt renewed attention to industry standards and the oversight of high-risk stunts on broadcast television.
Goodwin’s legal action is a reminder of the human cost when safety falls short, and it highlights the lasting consequences that a single moment on set can have on an individual’s life. The lawsuit will determine whether the allegations of negligence and failure to follow proper safety procedures are substantiated in court and what remedies may be awarded for the profound losses Goodwin describes.