An American television viewer is suing the producers a reality show because he claims became ill whilst watching it.

Stating that he suffered ‘violent nausea, vomiting and dizziness’ as a direct consequence of the contents of programme in question, the viewer is reportedly seeking damages in excess of US$2.5 million.

The scenes in the show responsible for the ‘upset’ apparently contained footage of contestants drinking ‘milkshakes’ containing such ‘ingredients’ as pureed rodents and worms, and were so offensive to the complainant that he became ill just witnessing them.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not against ‘the little guy taking on the business giants’ and such, it’s just that I’m a little concerned about the precedent it might set if this claim is successful.

If this guy succeeds, it could soon become theoretically possible to make a career out of tuning into bad television then launching lawsuits to counter the ‘damage’ it causes.

I mean, think about it ... if a little bout of ‘losing your lunch’ is worth 2.5 million, then I’m certain that ‘mild annoyance caused by eye-poppingly enthusiastic game show host’ could fetch at least a cool million.

Not to mention ‘scrum-like family argument started by trivia question on sports programme’, or ‘stomach ache from laughing at so-called ‘acting’ on soap operas’. And as for ‘heart attack triggered by commercial starring man with voice like loud hailer shrieking about sale’, well, don’t even get me started.

Come to think of it, I’ve lately been experiencing this unpleasant gulity sensation every time I view effortlessly elegant women on televison baking pies from scratch in a mess-free kitchen whilst wearing a gorgeous frock and a mask of immaculate makeup.

Hmmm ... I may just have to keep a close eye on this case and see how it pans out .