Last year at the Los Angeles Zoo, actor Parker Mills took on the job of wearing a Donkey Kong costume to promote the launch of Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. As much fun as the job sounds, it turns out that Mills took home more than just a paycheck, and it wasn’t all good.
Mills suffered tearing in his aortic walls, called an aortic dissection, and had to undergo major heart surgery resulting in a permanent defibrillator. According to Mills, the actor was denied proper breaks during the job and was not given the requisite ice packs to help him remain cool during the searing LA heat.
Nintendo was also alleged to have promised to provide an official escort to assist him in the day’s activities, but this did not happen. As a result, Mills is suing Nintendo for unsafe working conditions.
Thus far, Nintendo has declined comment on the situation, but it remains to be seen if Nintendo is at fault or someone else down the chain of command. Clearly this was an unfortunate and painful situation, and we wish Mills all the best in his recovery and subsequent ventures.
