WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has contested a citation it received from federal regulators for an accident in Rhode Island that sent eight hair-hanging acrobats plummeting to the ground during a performance, severely injuring most of them. It also says there are no plans to put on a hair-hanging act in the future.
Stephen Payne, a spokesman for circus parent company Feld Entertainment, says while they appeal, they’re putting into place safety measures recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
One of the acrobats returned to the circus several months ago; the others haven’t. Payne didn’t have information about their conditions but says there are no plans for them to return.
Some of the acrobats have struggled to walk since the accident. Their lawyer did not return messages for comment.
