Bret Michaels settles lawsuit over onstage Tony Awards accident

By Jamie Wetherbe

May 15, 2012 12 AM PT

Bret Michaels and organizers of the Tonys have settled a lawsuit that the Poison frontman had filed after he was hit by a piece of scenery during the 2009 award show.

After performing “Nothin’ But a Good Time” with the cast of “Rock of Ages,” the rocker/reality-TV star was knocked to the ground by an enormous descending set piece as he was exiting the stage.

Michaels sustained several injuries -- including a busted lip and a fractured nose -- and 10 months later he was almost killed by a brain hemorrhage he said was related to the accident, according to the suit.

An agreement came last week after mediation. The confidential settlement also covers CBS Broadcasting, which aired the show.

The suit, filed in March 2011 in Los Angeles Superior Court, said producers never informed Michaels of the scenery or potential hazards. “Quite the opposite, Michaels specifically asked for instructions regarding how to exit after his performance and was just told to walk off the rear of the stage -- in what was ultimately the danger zone,” according to the legal papers.

Michaels’ lawyer Alex Weingarten issued a statement saying that “Mr. Michaels would like to thank his fans for their continued support.”

The entertainer has recovered and returned to work, although he had to cancel several concert dates, according to the suit. The singer is currently on tour with Poison and fellow ‘80s rock staple Def Leppard, the band that inspired the “Rock of Ages” Broadway musical.

Michaels’ Tony incident went viral on YouTube, racking up millions of views.