March 28, 2024
Eight months after being acquitted of rape and kidnapping, former Wittenberg professor of French, Hollant “Max” Adrien, filed a lawsuit Nov. 5, suing Wittenberg University, The Springfield Police Department (SPD), and six various media organizations.
 
Adrien filed the federal civil rights suit Nov. 5 seeking $50 million from the SPD, $110 million from two news publications and four television stations, as well as reinstatement as a Wittenberg professor and a reward of $2 million. In lieu of reinstatement, Adrien seeks $10 million from Wittenberg.
 
Adrien accused the SPD of harassment and maltreatment after being taken into custody in October of 2012.
 
Furthermore, Adrien accused Wittenberg of unjustly firing him two months before his trial, citing the university faculty handbook. He further accuses the university of treating him differently after the arrest based on his sexual orientation, race, and place of origin.
 
According to Adrien, The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has found that he was released for an unjust cause in accordance to the faculty handbook. They were unable to confirm this claim upon contact.
 
In addition to financial rewards, Adrien seeks a public letter of apology from the SPD saying they caused, “immeasurable destruction, unjust pain and suffering,” and they were “using and abusing their authority and the law to ensnare and defame me,” according to the lawsuit.
 
Wittenberg University released a statement to The Torch saying, “While we don’t comment on pending litigation, we are confident that our institution was lawful and consistent in our policies and procedures in connection with Max Adrien.”

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