Published on: February 17, 2026, at 07:12h.
Updated on: February 17, 2026, at 07:12h.
- Illinois resident alleges that a lighted orb caused her retinal detachment
- Lawsuit filed against Donny Osmond and Harrah’s over concert injury
- Plaintiff contends low light conditions hindered her ability to avoid the prop
An Illinois woman, a devoted fan of Donny Osmond, has filed a lawsuit against the entertainment icon and Harrah’s Las Vegas after being hit on the back of the head by a large glowing orb, which resulted in retinal detachment, as stated in her legal complaint.
Joanne Julkowski attended the 68-year-old star’s concert at Harrah’s on February 15, 2024, when she was “hit in the back of the head by one of the illuminated balls that had been thrown or propelled into the audience,” according to the lawsuit reviewed by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Investigations by Casino.org indicate that the props are large, luminous, inflatable balls used during interactive parts of the show.
Retinal detachment can occur from blunt force trauma or sudden movements of the head and neck. Even a lightweight object, if thrown with enough force and striking unexpectedly, can cause significant stress to the eye’s internal structures.
The LVRJ report does not clarify whether the balls had any added components like LED lighting or weighted batteries that might have increased the impact.
Vision Loss
Julkowski has charged the venue, Osmond, and his production company, Donny Osmond Concerts Inc., with two counts of negligence, including negligent hiring, training, and oversight.
She asserts that the Harrah’s Showroom was poorly lit during the incident, “thereby impairing patrons’ visibility and diminishing their ability to see, track, or evade the oversized, glowing balls moving through the crowd.”
Julkowski underwent surgery and is left with visual impairment alongside head and neck injuries, as alleged in her lawsuit.
The plaintiff is seeking damages exceeding $15,000 for medical costs, physical pain and suffering, lost earnings, decreased earning potential, punitive damages, interest, legal fees, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Enduring Star
Osmond has had a presence in Las Vegas for nearly two decades. In 2008, he and his sister, Marie Osmond, debuted a residency at the Flamingo, initially intended as a brief engagement that ultimately extended over 11 years and became one of the Strip’s most beloved shows, concluding in 2019.
In 2021, Osmond returned with a solo residency at Harrah’s, a nostalgia-filled experience featuring his hits, Broadway classics, and audience engagement. The show has been prolonged multiple times and continues to be a staple at the Harrah’s Showroom.