A visually-impaired individual has filed a lawsuit against a major hair care company, accusing it of failing to make its website accessible to blind and visually-impaired users. Andre Battle, the plaintiff, filed the complaint on December 4, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Bumble and Bumble, LLC.
Andre Battle, who is legally blind and relies on screen-reading software to access digital content, alleges that Bumble and Bumble's website is not designed to be accessible for individuals with visual impairments. The complaint states that this lack of accessibility prevents Battle and others from enjoying equal access to the company's products and services as provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to Battle's filing, Bumbleandbumble.com contains significant barriers that make it impossible for blind users to complete transactions independently. The lawsuit claims these barriers include inaccurate alt-text for images, improper heading structures, and interactive elements that cannot be accessed using a keyboard.
The plaintiff argues that despite readily available technology that could make websites accessible—such as alternative text descriptions and keyboard-navigable forms—Bumble and Bumble has chosen not to implement these features. This omission allegedly forces visually-impaired customers to rely on sighted assistance or forego using the website altogether. The lawsuit highlights that this exclusion denies them participation in the growing Internet economy.
Battle seeks a permanent injunction requiring Bumble and Bumble to modify its website policies and practices so they comply with ADA standards. He also demands compensatory damages for unlawful discrimination faced by himself and other class members similarly affected by these accessibility issues. The legal action aims not only at securing personal relief but also at enforcing broader compliance with disability rights laws across digital platforms.
Representing Andre Battle is attorney Uri Horowitz from Flushing, New York. The case is being presided over in the Northern District of Illinois under Case No.: 1:24-cv-12429.