This Day in History: May 7

A 1995 taping for the tabloid talk show "The Jenny Jones Show" highlighted the exploitation of homosexual ex-soldier Scott Amedure. After his term in the United States Army was ended with a broken leg, Amedure enlisted in the Army Reserve and received an Honorable Discharge once his contract ended. Amedure then worked as a bartender in Lake Orion, Michigan, where he opened the doors of his home to friends with AIDS in hope of helping them.

On March 6, 1995 Amedure was a guest on "The Jenny Jones Show" under the title "Same Sex Secret Crushes" where he revealed his desire for more than friendship with his straight friend, Jonathan Schmitz, who lived near him. Schmitz was told by producers that he was there to attend a taping entitled "Secret Admirers" and was under the implication that it was a female admirer.

After the taping, Schmitz claimed Amedure "frightened" him and that the show, if aired, would "humiliate and anger"?him. The producers, however, did not inform Amedure of his friend's homophobic attitude prior to the taping of the show.

On March 9, 1995 Amedure left a note at Schmitz's house. Upon receiving the letter, Schmitz withdrew money from the bank, bought a shotgun and went to Amedure's mobile home. He shot Amedure twice, killing him.

Amedure's family sued Telepictures, Warner Brothers and "The Jenny Jones Show" for wrongful death. On May 7, 1999 the jury awarded the Amedure family $25 million and found "The Jenny Jones Show" to be irresponsible and negligent. The Michigan Court of Appeals later overturned the verdict and the Michigan Supreme Court refused to hear the case due to bias.

The fact that the "Jenny Jones" crew disregarded the safety of a guest for a juicy tidbit is both disgusting and disheartening.