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According to the Muskogee (OK) Phoenix, Bedford’s suit (filed in October, 2005) claims:

—    Bedford was distraught over the misrepresentation to the point of nonparticipation.
—    Defendants threatened if Bedford did not film the show that they would not tell him his wife's location and would not pay for her to be sent home.
—    Bedford conducted a Bible study for the Haileyville Baptist Church, wherein the gay swap participant invited a gay coalition into Bedford's home for the study.
—    Defendants repeatedly told him his wife was leaving him. He claims he became emotionally distraught over his and his family's situation to the point of becoming physically and mentally ill. His wife was not informed of his illness.
—    Bedford was not allowed to speak to his wife during the filming of the episode and not allowed to continue his college work during the filming. Subsequently, he was dropped from one class.
—    Defendants acted with reckless disregard. As a result of intentional infliction of mental distress he has incurred medical bills, public humiliation, embarrassment and undue grief. He seeks $5 million for that distress and punitive damages of $5 million.

Further, the Phoenix reported that Bedford “seeks $75,000 for breach of contract…in excess of $75,000 because of defendants' fraud or misrepresentation, and punitive damages in excess of $75,000. He also seeks court costs and attorney fees.”

There are no reports of Bedford seeking the courage that would require he take responsibility for his decision to participate in the show.

Jeffrey Bedford doesn’t play well with others — especially gay others. He failed the most basic of kindergarten tasks. Rather than carve a window in the bubble he calls home, Bedford is attempting to wallpaper it with $1000 bills.

Shame on him.

He had an opportunity to welcome a stranger into his world and to take a peek into the life of that stranger, but he freaked out. When given the chance to demonstrate to his kids how adults handle differences in mature ways and perhaps find common ground, he chose to act like a child instead. Now, faced with an opportunity to teach his three children a valuable lesson about personal responsibility, he chooses to run from his responsibilities and hide behind a silly lawsuit.

That’s probably not what Jesus would do. It’s not even what Mike Brady would do. But Bedford doesn’t seem interested in doing what’s right. He wants to save face. He’s feeling small and wants ABC to pay big.

ABC believes it did nothing wrong. Spokesperson Annie Fort told the Phoenix, "ABC is confident that RDF Media, the producer of 'Wife Swap,' treats participants professionally and with respect. The show is meant to challenge a family's norms and moreover, the agreement between the plaintiff and RDF specifically stated that the swapped spouse could be either male or female."

How Jeffrey Bedford’s suit will play out in court remains to be seen. So, too, does the episode chronicling his family’s “nightmare.” While it has already aired on BBC in London, it hasn’t aired in the US.

ABC says it has many episodes in the can. "Since each is self-contained, “ Annie Fort said, “we don't have to air them in any particular order, so I can't predict when we'll book this one."

Interesting choice of words, given that the show is so ridiculously predictable.

What say the gay couple in this controversy? They’re not talking. Interestingly enough, however, Melissa Bedford is talking, and she’s told anyone listening that she didn’t experience first-hand the trauma her husband claims to have endured. While her husband was being medicated in Oklahoma, she was in Seattle playing mom to the daughters (ages 13 and 18) of the gay couple.

She made the best of her situation.

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