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Couple moves forward with suit against Spike Lee

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Chuck Ross Investigative Reporter
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A Sanford, Fla. couple whose address was erroneously tweeted by Spike Lee during the George Zimmerman controversy is suing the filmmaker for more than $15,000.

In March 2012, Lee re-tweeted the address of David and Elaine McClain claiming that it was the address of Zimmerman, who had drawn the ire of millions after the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

Lee apologized for the mistake and agreed to pay expenses associated with the couple’s temporary relocation. The McClains, both of whom are in their seventies, resided in hotels for weeks after the mis-tweet.

The incorrect address was attributed to a Twitter user from Los Angeles. The McClains have a son named William George Zimmerman who previously resided at the address.

Now, the couple are seeking damages after a resurgence of threats in the wake of Zimmerman’s July 13 acquittal for second-degree murder.

Elaine McClain told The Daily Caller News Foundation that threats started up again in the month before Zimmerman’s trial started in June.

“Some were death threats. A lot of hateful, ugly words,” she said.

One user tweeted the address and commented “y’all know what to do….” Another wrote “Ill [sic] meet y’all there.” Others posted the address along with pictures and directions to the McClain’s home.

McClain said that she still lives in fear.

“I love being in the kitchen, I used to, but I can see out, and it’s just scary,” she said.

The suit claims the Lee’s actions caused mental anguish, health problems, sleeplessness and a decrease in the value of their home.

McClain told Orlando News 13 that she’s also suffered a heart attack and other health problems because due to stress from the threats.

“I’m totally sorry for this whole thing,” McClain told TheDCNF. “If people would just learn not to send out hateful, harmful things, it would certainly help us.”

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