Not Too Fat to Work, Man Tells Car Dealer

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (CN) - A car dealer unfairly fired its general manager because he's fat, the man claims in Federal Court.

Joseph Whittaker sued America's Car-Mart, of Jefferson City, Mo. He says he worked for it from 2005 until he was fired in November 2012.

"At the time of the discharge, defendant regarded plaintiff Joseph Whittaker as being substantially limited in one or more major life activities, including but not limited to walking, as a result of plaintiff's obesity," the complaint states.

"Plaintiff Joseph Whittaker was, at all times relevant, able to perform the essential functions of his position with defendant, with or without accommodation.

"Defendant terminated plaintiff Joseph Whittaker's employment because of plaintiff's disability, within the meaning of the ADA, in violation of the statute."

Whittaker seeks actual and punitive damages for emotional and mental anguish, pain and suffering, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life and devastation.

He is represented by Michael L. Jackson of Jackson and Welker in Jackson, Mo.

The complaint does not reveal Whittaker's weight.

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