09/16/2025
So reprehensible. Follow us for more details. The lawsuit will be filed shortly.
September 8, 2025
Rasor Law Firm Represents LGBTQ+ Victims in Hate Crime Assault at MGM Grand Detroit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/8/2025
Royal Oak, MI – Rasor Law Firm represents multiple victims of a violent hate crime that occurred outside the MGM Grand Detroit hotel and casino on July 13, 2025. The firm is preparing potential civil claims against MGM Grand Detroit and other parties in connection with the brutal assault of two same-sex couples that left one victim hospitalized with severe injuries.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. when four individuals – two same-sex couples – were waiting for their vehicle in the MGM’s valet area after attending a concert. William James Wilson, 26, of Fort Worth, Texas, allegedly approached the couples and began hurling homophobic slurs before launching a vicious physical attack. Another individual, believed to be an acquaintance of Wilson, was also present but left the scene before police arrived and was also apprehended. Witnesses stated that William James Wilson, who had come to the scene directly from MGM’s property, appeared to be highly intoxicated at the time of the assault.
Celia Haueter was knocked unconscious and sustained severe injuries requiring more than 20 stitches to her face and suffered a severe concussion. According to witnesses, Wilson continued to strike Haueter even after she was lying unconscious on the ground. Her wife, Chelsi Way, and the other couple, David Supal and Zach Chearhart, were also assaulted while attempting to protect Haueter and sustained injuries.
Wilson has been charged by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office with assault with intent to do great bodily harm, aggravated assault, two counts of assault and battery, and four counts of hate crime using force or physical injury. Each hate crime count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The victims report that, despite their pleas for help, MGM Grand Detroit security personnel failed to intervene during the attack, even though multiple witnesses observed the assault. “If security is there, I don’t know what they’re there for, maybe to protect MGM, but they’re not there to protect the people,” stated victim Chelsi Way. MGM Grand Detroit has declined to provide a written statement regarding the incident, directing inquiries to the Detroit Police Department. MGM’s failure to provide adequate security is a serious, ongoing issue. It has resulted in serious injuries and deaths at MGM properties all across the country over the last decade alone.
Rasor Law is preparing to file suit against the responsible parties for premises liability, failure to provide adequate security, dramshop liability, and civil rights violations. Recent jury verdicts in similar cases involving hate crimes and security failures have resulted in substantial damages for victims.
The firm is committed to holding all responsible parties accountable for this unconscionable attack on members of the LGBTQ+ community and seeking justice for our clients.
Rasor Law Firm is a full-service law firm based in Royal Oak, Michigan, focusing on personal injury, employment, civil rights, criminal defense, family law, and bankruptcy matters. Our aggressive, toug,h and talented lawyers have 150+ years of experience. Let us Fight and Win for you!
Contact: James B. Rasor
Phone: 248-543-9000
Email: [email protected]
