FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, and LOS ANGELES, CA, May 6, 2025 – Kelley | Uustal has filed a lawsuit against Disney, Hulu, and associated production entities alleging that a documentary exposed the identities of at-risk military operatives resulting in the abduction, torture, and eventual murder of an Afghan man. The firm represents his widow.
According to the Kelley | Uustal lawsuit, in 2021 defendants created a film documenting activities related to the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and preparation for the oncoming Taliban onslaught. Kelley | Uustal’s client, referred to in the suit as John Doe, served as a military contractor assisting U.S. forces. He worked in the Afghan Mine Removal Group, which helped save countless lives, along with American soldiers and special forces.
The lawsuit alleges that U.S. military personnel warned filmmakers that U.S. sympathizers and partners were particularly at risk, and warned of the danger that could be posed by exposing their identities. The filmmakers allegedly chose not to heed these warnings. The film debuted on National Geographic, Disney+ and Hulu media platforms in December 2022.
Within months, clips circulated on social media inside Afghanistan. In early 2023, John Doe was abducted by the Taliban and tortured for over two weeks. He suffered broken ribs, lung damage, and severe internal injuries from beatings and near-drownings. He died after torture by the Taliban on April 28, 2023. Before his death, Doe said the Taliban had played him a clip from the film where he was clearly identifiable.
The film was initially lauded and received multiple awards, including the Murrow Award, which was later rescinded in November 2024 following public outcry.
“People don’t understand how much these guys sacrificed, how much they believed in America. I’m ashamed by how many people we abandoned. And then this! Not even blurring his face, and then he gets tortured and killed.” said John Uustal of the Kelley | Uustal Law Firm, and Founder of the Impossible Case Institute.
The 1208 Foundation is working to try to help those people who believed in America, and fought with Americans, and who America has now abandoned.
Media Contact: press@kulaw.com
Case Details:
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
John Doe v. Disney, et al.
Docket # 25STCV11859
About Kelley | Uustal
Kelley | Uustal has secured some of the largest settlements in history, with a track record of winning complex cases in the areas of catastrophic injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice and more. To date, Kelley | Uustal has secured over $1 billion in life-changing verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Kelley | Uustal specializes in cases that involve corporate negligence, malice, or accidents; often taking on cases that other firms deem too risky or expensive. We carefully select our cases and act as our clients’ loyal guide through every step of the litigation process.
Backed by a passion for research and decades of trial expertise, our trial attorneys are uniquely skilled at defending what matters most to you and moving justice forward.
To learn more about Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys contact 888.522.1154.
