Foreigner’s Production Crew Pays Settlement after Sioux Falls wheelchair denial
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A settlement agreement has been reached between a production company and the family whose daughter was denied access to a stage due to her wheelchair.
In August 2024, classic rock band Foreigner played at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and invited students from the Sioux Falls Children’s Choir on stage to sing with them. However, the 12-year-old Halle Bauman wasn’t allowed on stage because she is in a wheelchair.
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced on Friday that the USDOJ reached a settlement agreement with Counter Productions Inc. over allegations that the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Counter Productions agreed to pay the Bauman family $23,500. They are also required to adopt new ADA compliance measures and training for employees.
Director Kaela Schuiteman told KELOLAND News she communicated with Foreigner’s team multiple times, telling them there was a performer with a wheelchair.
“To my understanding, some people didn’t know that she was going to be onstage… so they were not prepared was one of the excuses, so they wouldn’t be able to, in time, get a ramp ready for the stage because they’d have to reorganize everything,” Schuiteman said in August 2024.
Foreigner’s bassist, Jeff Pilson, shared a statement about the incident on social media after the concert.
“Foreigner wants to extend our sincerest apologies to the 12-year-old singer from the Sioux Falls Children’s Choir who was denied stage access due to her wheelchair…we’re deeply disappointed in the mistake made by our team and understand the impact it had on this talented young fan. We believe music should be inclusive for all and are taking steps to ensure our shows are accessible to everyone,” the post said.
In a news release, Parsons said the band was not responsible for the situation and none of the members was aware it was happening. The news release also said the PREMIER Center offered different options to the production company to make the stage accessible.
