Daily Show host Trevor Noah suing doctor over botched surgery

Trevor Noah at the Comedy Festival in 2013. Photo / Supplied

Comedian Trevor Noah is suing his doctor and a hospital over a botched surgery.

The Daily Show host took legal action against Dr Riley J Williams III and the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan last month after they allegedly mishandled a procedure carried out on 23 November, 2020.

In court documents obtained by People, the 37-year-old star - who was a patient between 25 August and 17 December last year - alleged the defendants were "negligent and careless in failing to treat and care for [him] in a careful and skilful manner."

The lawsuit accused the hospital and the doctor who treated him of "failing to use approved methods in general use in the care and treatment", including failing to "prescribe proper medications" and to "discontinue certain prescription medications," and alleged they had not used "proper tests and examinations in order to diagnose the conditions" that he "was suffering" from.

Noah claimed he suffered "serious personal injury" after his surgery, and described the nature of his injuries as "permanent, severe, and grievous" which have left him "sick, sore, lame, and disabled".

The lawsuit added: "[Noah] sustained severe and painful personal injuries; sustained severe nervous shock, mental anguish, severe emotional distress and great physical pain; was confined to bed and home for a long period of time; was compelled to undergo hospital and medical aid, treatment and attention; has suffered loss of enjoyment of life; was prevented from engaging in his usual occupation for a long period of time; and since some of his injuries are of a permanent nature, he will continue to suffer similar damages in the future."

The hospital has insisted the lawsuit's claims are "meritless".

A representative for the facility said: "HSS received a complaint filed on behalf of Mr Trevor Noah. We have shared with Mr Noah's attorney a detailed rebuttal to the claims, which are meritless.

"Due to HIPAA we are restricted by law from addressing publicly specific aspects of the treatment of any patient."