James Belushi seeks $4 million in ‘harassment’ damages from Julie NewmarLOS ANGELES (AP) — Actor James Belushi has sued next-door neighbour Julie Newmar for $4 million US in damages, accusing the actress of a “campaign of harassment” designed to drive him from his home.
Belushi, 50, claims in the lawsuit filed Nov. 2 that Newmar destroyed a fence and landscaping at the home in the posh Brentwood neighbourhood and repeatedly made defamatory statements about him to neighbours and friends.
The lawsuit also claims that Newmar spied on Belushi’s family from her residence and caused a nuisance by playing loud music directed at his backyard.
“Newmar has engaged in a malicious and premeditated campaign to prevent and destroy Belushi’s quiet peace,” the lawsuit claims.
Newmar had an unlisted telephone number and could not immediately be reached for comment.
Belushi says the actions of the actress who played Catwoman in the 1960s television series Batman caused emotional distress and harmed his reputation and career.
Besides $4 million in damages, Belushi is seeking an injunction against the actress and lawyers’ fees.
― Huk-L, Monday, 8 November 2004 14:58 (twenty years ago)
Speaking of crazy!
Burt Reynolds sues former girlfriend over alleged blackmail attemptWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Burt Reynolds is suing a former girlfriend, alleging that she threatened to falsely accuse him of abuse if he didn’t pay millions of dollars in extortion.
The lawsuit says that Pamela Seals falsely accused Reynolds of yelling at her and stomping on her toes. Seals, who was Reynolds’ girlfriend for 10 years, told the actor she would publicize her allegations if he didn’t agree to a hefty settlement that included support for Seals and her mother, half of Reynolds’ Jupiter home and other compensation.
Reynolds’ lawyer, Bob Montgomery, called Seals’ threats blackmail, saying the actor offered to settle the matter for $1 million US but Seals refused. He said because Reynolds and Seals were never married, she is entitled to nothing under Florida law.
“She wanted more and more and her demands were absolutely exorbitant,” Montgomery said.
The lawsuit asks for unspecified damages and for a court to stop Seals from suing Reynolds in California, where the couple lived temporarily.
In a statement, Reynolds, 68, called the situation “unfortunate” and said he wouldn’t be “intimidated by false accusations.”
Seals’ lawyer, Mark Maynor, said he hadn’t seen the lawsuit early Monday and had no immediate comment.
Reynolds began acting on television in the 1960s and is known for his work in films such as Smokey and the Bandit, Deliverance, The Longest Yard and Boogie Nights.
In 1996, after a messy divorce from Loni Anderson, Reynolds filed for bankruptcy protection, with debts of $10 million. Montgomery said the actor had since recovered from his financial problems.
― Huk-L, Monday, 8 November 2004 20:42 (twenty years ago)