Blazek v. Rose Circuit Court Of Cook County (

1922)

Facts

A bill in equity was filed by Frank Blazek (P), through his mother against, Ike Rose (D). P is eleven years old, and his mother is an abnormal being. She is joined with the body of her sister, Josefa and this physical anomaly renders the sister available for public exhibitions. The sisters made a written agreement with D in 1920 that placed them under D’s management for the purpose of being publicly displayed in the U.S. They came to the U.S. with P in 1921. P is not a party to the agreement, and it was understood by P’s mother that D would not be required to take any part in public exhibitions and that neither his name nor photos of him would be used in advertisements or any reference be made to him. Immediately upon arrival, D made use of P as part of the publicity of one son and two mothers. D threatened the mother with cancellation of the contract if P were not used. D also used threats of deportation and criminal prosecution. In states wherein child labor laws prohibited P’s participation, D then placed the child in the audience and pointed to him and made reference to his mother. P was forced to appear in more than 1,000 exhibitions. P has refused to appear since February 1922, but D still publishes his photo and makes reference to the child. P sued for injunctive relief and for damages. It was granted.