A GAY man who lost a five-year lawsuit this month after being arrested for nudity at a gay pride festival has died in an apparent suicide.
Will X Walters, 35, was arrested in 2011 at a gay pride event in San Diego because his leather gladiator outfit didn’t fully cover his bottom.
He sued the San Diego police for anti-gay discrimination but on December 13 a federal jury ruled against him.
His lawyer, Chris Morris, said he hadn’t heard from his client since he left the courtroom as soon as the verdict was handed down.
Mr Morris said Walters had been left with a $1 million legal bill.
“Will Walters was a valiant warrior for his cause, and he will be missed by those who knew him and the community he fought for,†Mr Morris told the San Diego Union-Tribune.
In the 2011 incident, police asked Walters to cover up, which he refused to do. When he didn’t sign a misdemeanour form, he was taken to the police station.
“Will Walters is a Hispanic, gay man who owns the dubious distinction of being the only person in the history of the City of San Diego to be arrested and booked on a charge of public nudity,†his complaint stated according to Courthouse News. “Under any definition, he was not nude, as his buttocks and genitalia were fully covered. Nonetheless, he was ushered out of the event, humiliated, arrested, and incarcerated.â€
Walters’ outfit had been pre-approved by organisers.
He created Free Will USA, an advocacy organisation to help others know and defend their rights.
“The reason I continue this fight is so that we all can continue giving our opinions and we can enjoy the luxury of equal enforcement as well as freedom of speech,†Walters had said previously. “Regardless win or lose, it’s been a really long journey and myself, my friends and my legal team have fought as hard as we could, but it’s all to support my fellow Americans and again I want to thank everyone.â€
If you are experiencing mental health issues or suicidal feelings contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue 1300 224 636