Four years after suffering life-altering injuries during a stunt for a David Dobrik video, YouTuber Jeff Wittek has paid $90,000 out of pocket for an eye surgery to address lingering damage.
The incident occurred in June 2020 while filming a now-deleted video. Wittek, 34, was swung from a rope attached to the arm of a spinning excavator operated by Dobrik. As the machine accelerated, Wittek lost control, and when it abruptly slowed, he collided with the metal arm before plunging into the water below.
The aftermath left Wittek with severe injuries, including a skull shattered in nine places, a broken foot and hip, a torn leg ligament, and an eye injury that nearly cost him his vision. On social media, Wittek revealed details of his recent five-hour surgery, aimed at fixing double vision caused by the accident.
“Dr. Leif Rogers and his team performed a massive surgery to remove metal plates and adjust my eyes,” Wittek shared with his 2.5 million Instagram followers. “I already feel like I can run through a brick wall.”
Legal and Financial Fallout
Despite the extensive injuries, Wittek claims Dobrik has not compensated him for damages, forcing him to cover the surgery costs himself. He described the $90,000 expense as “worth every penny” but continues to pursue legal action.
Wittek has filed a lawsuit against Dobrik seeking $10 million in damages for general negligence and intentional tort. The suit alleges that Dobrik’s actions caused significant financial losses due to medical expenses and missed work opportunities.
According to court documents, the original stunt plan involved wakeboarding behind the excavator. However, Dobrik allegedly suggested participants hold onto a rope while being swung around. During Wittek’s turn, Dobrik reportedly spun the machine too fast and then abruptly stopped, causing the collision.
Dobrik Faces Backlash
This legal dispute comes as Dobrik faces broader scrutiny. Wittek criticized Snapchat for signing a content deal with Dobrik, accusing him of profiting while others suffer from his actions. Wittek also referenced a 2021 sexual assault allegation involving Dobrik’s Vlog Squad, further intensifying the backlash.
In response to the sexual assault allegations, Dobrik apologized, acknowledging his failure to ensure a safe environment during filming. He claimed to have stopped working with the implicated Vlog Squad member in 2019 and pledged to implement safeguards for future projects.
Diverging Narratives
Dobrik has previously expressed regret over the excavator incident, calling it “the biggest regret of my life” during a 2022 podcast. However, he also alleged that the stunt was Wittek’s idea and that Wittek had asked him to keep this detail private.
Despite his apologies, Dobrik’s acknowledgment of responsibility for operating the machine remains central to Wittek’s claims.
This ongoing legal and personal saga continues to unfold, with Wittek seeking justice and accountability for the injuries that changed his life.
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