A Man Is Suing His Date For Texting At The Movies

Some bad dates end with a fizzle. You say your goodbyes, awkwardly kiss each other on the cheek, and high-tail it to your house where you can snuggle a pillow and watch Netflix in peace. Others end in a more dramatic fashion, i.e., a lawsuit that divides the Internet. Apparently, a Texas man is suing his date for allegedly texting in a movie theater, and his small claims petition has sparked a huge debate online. Bustle has reached out to Brandon Vezmar for comment and will update when we hear back.

The Austin American-Statesman reports that Vezmar filed a claim last week against a woman with whom he'd gone to see Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2. Describing the experience as the "first date from hell," he told the Statesman that his date allegedly began texting not long after the movie began. According to Vezmar, when he asked her to text from the lobby rather than the theater, she got up and never returned, leaving him without a ride home.

In the small claims petition he filed with Travis County, Vezmar writes that he is seeking $17.31, the price of the movie ticket he bought for his date. "While damages sought are modest the principle is important as Defendant’s behavior is a threat to civilized society," reads the petition. Take as much time as you need for that bit of hyperbole to sink in.

Vezmar told Texas Monthly that he contacted the woman about paying him back for the ticket, but she allegedly refused. When she explained that she was texting a friend who had an emergency, he chose to sue.

The woman, who has remained anonymous, disputed Vezmar's version of events. She told the Statesman that she texted her best friend only a few times during the movie, and on Wednesday, she put out a statement saying Vezmar's behavior during the date made her "extremely uncomfortable." She also claims he allegedly harassed her family about getting the money back. (Vezmar has denied this.)

Since the lawsuit was filed, the story has attracted quite a bit of attention online; even Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn has tweeted about it. Some have applauded Vezmar's actions.

Others have called his behavior controlling, pointing to how he speaks about the date to the media. It's worth noting that in his interview with Texas Monthly, Vezmar totally dismissed the idea that he made his date uncomfortable, claiming that the experience was "probably really great for her." He, on the other hand, knew from the beginning that he didn't want to see her again. (See also: sour grapes.)

Despite the criticism, Vezmar has stood by his decision to take legal action.

Even if you're not disturbed by the sight of a phone at the movies, it clearly bothers other moviegoers. Who knew texting at the theater was such a touchy subject?