Michigan State sued by quiz channel operator over Hitler question shown on videoboard during 2023 game

The operator of a YouTube quiz channel is suing Michigan State after the Spartans displayed a trivia question about Adolf Hitler on the stadium scoreboard before a football game in 2023. The Quiz Channel's proprietor Flores van Pallandt asserted that Michigan State did not have permission to use his product and violated copyright laws in a federal lawsuit filed last week, the Associated Press reports.

Van Pallandt is seeking $150,000 in damages and noted his company received blowback following the incident, claiming the quiz was "not created for a mass-market use at an American college football game," according to the AP.

The question, accompanied by a photo of Hitler, was displayed prior to the Spartans' 42-0 loss to rival and eventual national champion Michigan on Oct. 21. Michigan State was thoroughly ridiculed on social media for the offensive gaffe.

MSU athletic director Alan Haller released a public apology that night and said that a school employee had been suspended without pay.

"I am deeply sorry for the offensive image we displayed on the Spartan Stadium video boards Saturday night," Haller said. "I apologize for the pain it has caused our community. Ultimately, it is my responsibility to make sure all those who interact with Spartan Athletics feel safe, valued and respected. The image was harmful to our communities, especially our Jewish community which is currently experiencing a rise in antisemitism, including acts of violence."