Editor's note: This article has been revised from an earlier version, to now include a statement from defendant Securitas saying the company did not provide security at the Laugh Factory and the individual named as a defendant was not ever employed by the firm.
A woman who visited the Laugh Factory in Chicago has filed a lawsuit against a security firm, claiming that a guard at the comedy club allegedly escalated a verbal disagreement and physically assaulted her.
Plaintiff Keanna Harris filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against Travon Gardner and Securitas Security USA, citing allegations of battery, assault, and negligence.
In a statement provided to The Cook County Record following publication of this article, a spokesperson for Securitas said the Laugh Factory is not a Securitas client, and Gardner has never been employed by Securitas.
According to court documents, on May 28, 2023, Harris was a patron at The Laugh Factory comedy club in Chicago. Harris claims that while she was on the premises, she got into a verbal disagreement with Gardner, an employee of Securitas Security who was scheduled to work as a security guard at the venue that night. Harris claims that during the disagreement, Gardner escalated the situation by menacingly approaching and intentionally threatening her before "slamming" her on the ground, getting on top of her, and striking her multiple times.
Harris' causes of action against Gardner include allegations of unwarranted assault and battery. Additionally, she cites Securitas for negligence, arguing that the company failed in its duty to properly train and supervise Gardner, resulting in his use of excessive force.
Harris contends that the defendants have caused her severe and permanent injuries. She is seeking compensation of more than $50,000 for pecuniary and compensatory damages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and medical expenses, plus other relief.
The Laugh Factory is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
She is represented by attorney Curtis J. Tarver, II, of Tarver Law, of Chicago.