Tracy Morgan released a response to Walmart's claim that he wasn't wearing his seat belt at the time of the June 2014 accident, and the comedian isn't happy.
"After I heard what Walmart said in court I felt I had to speak out. I can't believe Walmart is blaming me for an accident that they caused. My friends and I were doing nothing wrong. I want to thank my fans for sticking with me during this difficult time. I love you all. I'm fighting hard every day to get back."
This past June, Morgan was critically injured after a tractor-trailer being driven by Walmart driver Kevin Roper struck his limo bus. The accident occurred on the New Jersey turnpike, injuring four passengers onboard the bus including the comedian and SNL alumnus, and killing a fifth, 62-year-old James McNair. Morgan spent a week in intensive care following the crash, and is still in rehab for his injuries.
Morgan filed a lawsuit against Walmart in July seeking punitive and compensatory damages. However, Walmart released a statement on Monday, citing Morgan at fault for not wearing his seat belt when the accident occurred.
"By failing to exercise ordinary care in making use of available seatbelts, upon information and belief, plaintiffs acted unreasonably and in disregard of plaintiffs' own best interests," Walmart said in their statement on Monday, September 29.
According to a report filed by federal transportation safety investigators, Roper was driving 65 mph before he slammed into Morgan's vehicle. That stretch of the New Jersey turnpike is normally a 55 mph zone, but was 45 mph due to construction. Morgan's lawsuit also suggests that Roper was sleep deprived at the time of the accident.