Ex-Bodyguard Sues Justin Bieber For Assault, Overtime Wages
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Justin Bieber's former bodyguard has sued the Grammy-nominated singer for allegedly assaulting him and failing to pay him overtime and other wages.
Moshe Benabou, who filed the lawsuit Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, said he worked for Bieber from March 2011 to Oct. 2012.
He claims he was fired on Oct. 10 after the singer "launched an abusive tirade" against him.
According to the suit, "The tirade was apparently triggered by what Justin Bieber perceived as an attempt by Moshe Benabou to keep one member of Mr. Bieber's entourage physically away from Justin Bieber. As part of this tirade, Justin Bieber repeatedly punched Moshe Benabou in the chest and upper body area."
Benabou said he walked away after the attack and that's when Bieber terminated his employment.
The plaintiff also said he was mistakenly told he wasn't entitled to overtime pay despite working 14 and 18 hour days.
Benabou is seeking unspecified damages on the assault and battery claims and $421,261 in unpaid overtime, vacation and other wage benefits.
"For nearly two years Mr. Benabou devoted himself completely to ensuring Mr. Bieber's personal safety," Benabou's attorney, Ilan Heimanson, wrote in a statement. "Mr. Benabou deserved, as does any employee, to be treated with respect, dignity and in accordance with the law. Unfortunately, he was not."
Bieber's representatives could not be reached for comment.
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