Bob Daugherty went into a Home Depot restroom, sat on the toilet and quickly noticed that his buttocks was glued to the seat. He yelled for help, but Home Depot employees thought it was a prank.
Dougherty is now suing Home Depot for $3 million, citing post-traumatic stress order.
This story has made national news because it's unusual and—to be honest—rather humorous. No, not in a "we're laughing at you, Mr. Dougherty" kind of way, but in a "listen to what happened to this poor guy" way.
However, Dougherty's image as a sympathetic character might've been tarnished with his appearance on the "Today" show this morning.
Katie Couric interviewed Dougherty and his lawyer (free publicity...woohoo!) and Couric asked Daugherty what went through his mind once he realized that he was unwillingly stuck to the toilet seat.
Dougherty: "I panicked, but thought I’d be able to get out of the situation. You know, men are good problem-solvers..."
Couric: (Insulted, but trying to cover it up with a chuckle) "And so are women."
I watched this segment while eating breakfast with my wife and she was instantly offended. Me? I was just surprised—and quite impressed— by her early morning anger.
The problem with this morning's interview is the simple fact that Dougherty is agreeing to be interviewed on live television. He should refrain from doing any interviews until the case is heard in court or settled outside of it. After all, he is suing a major company for $3 million dollars. If his lawyer wants to get more press coverage for his client, then the lawyer should be hitting the press circuit on behalf of Daugherty.
Dougherty obviously could use some media training and it's his lawyer’s fault for letting Dougherty make a comment that was offensive to many people.
At the end of the day, Dougherty went from being a sympathetic figure to a male chauvinist. And he hasn't even received a penny from Home Depot.
As far as the public’s perception goes, Dougherty's stuck in another mess.
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