Latest Busker Lawsuit Targets City, Attorney, Boardwalk Stores

OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City is facing yet another street performer lawsuit, but this time, it isn’t the only defendant in the case.

Eight street performers, acting under the supervision and guidance of local rabble rouser Tony Christ, filed a $2 million lawsuit on Nov. 20 in the United States District Court of Maryland against the Town of Ocean City, City Solicitor Guy Ayres and unnamed businesses on the Boardwalk.

“These performers feel that their livelihoods are in jeopardy, and the town has made a huge investment in an ordinance we believe is unconstitutional,” said Christ.

Harsh Claims Made

The lawsuit is seeking $1 million in compensatory and punitive damages from the town and another $1 million from unnamed shop owners identified only as “John Does” in the filing for “harassing, interfering, threatening, and in general, acting in a manner to drive and eliminate performers from the Boardwalk.”

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