Guardians of the Galaxy 2 viewer sues date for texting throughout film, director James Gunn responds

'I had my phone low and I wasn’t bothering anybody… It wasn’t like constant texting'

Going to the cinema has become a classic first date activity: what could be better than two-hours of non-awkward silence as you prepare witty observations while nervously looking over to make sure they’re having a good time?

As proven by one 37-year-old Texas man, the cinema isn’t always a good idea. Brandon Vezmar is suing his date for $17.31 — the price of a ticket — after she reportedly texted “10-20 times in 15 minutes” during a screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 3D.

It was kind of a first date from hell,” Vezmar told The Statesman, explaining how the date refused to stop texting, leaving the cinema mid-way through the film and not returning.

The 35-year-old woman, who didn’t want to be named, called the situation ‘crazy’ while saying: “I had my phone low and I wasn’t bothering anybody… It wasn’t like constant texting.”

The legal petition filed claims the texting was a “direct violation” of the cinema’s no phones policy and “adversely” affected Vezmar’s viewing experience. “I’m not a bad woman,” the date later added. “I just went out on a date.”

Soon after the original report went viral, being picked up by multiple publications, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn commenting on the situation, writing on Twitter: “Why stop at suing? She deserves jail time!”

Whether the $17.31 has been paid remains a mystery at present. Meanwhile, Guardians of the Galaxy is showing in cinemas around the world. Just don’t text during screenings.