MMA Fighter Who Witnessed George Floyd's Murder, Testified Against Chauvin, Settles Lawsuit With Minneapolis
(Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Donald Williams, the MMA fighter who witnessed the murder of George Floyd and testified against killer cop Derek Chauvin reached a settlement with the city of Minneapolis.

The MMA fighter who witnessed the murder of George Floyd and testified against killer cop Derek Chauvin reached a settlement with the city of Minneapolis.

Donald Williams sued the city for emotional distress, pain and suffering, humiliation, embarrassment and medical expenses, WCCO-TV reported, citing court documents. The former mixed martial artist was seeking damages upwards of $50,000.

Williams was captured on ex-Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao's body cam expressing concern over the late Floyd's wellbeing as Chauvin kneeled on his neck outside a convenience store in May 2020. Floyd subsequently died and his death was ruled a homicide.

According to the lawsuit, Chauvin prevented bystanders and witnesses from intervening by threatening them with a can of mace, the outlet reported.

Williams also accused Thao of putting his hands on him.

At the same time, the defense alleged Williams of verbally threatening to "slap the f- out of both" officers at the scene, according to Law and Crime

The city council will vote on the settlement on April 25.

Mayor Jacob Frey then has a week to approve or veto it. 

In 2021, Chauvin was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, in connection with Floyd's death. He appealed the conviction. Chauvin was also sentenced to 21 years in federal prison, to be served concurrently, for violating Floyd's civil rights, to which he pleaded guilty, CNN previously reported. 

Thao was sentenced to just under five years in prison for aiding and abetting manslaughter.