Former manager takes legal action
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Britney Spears' former manager Sam Lutfi is suing the singer and her parents, Jamie and Lynne Spears, for defamation and breach of contract, L.A. court documents show.
In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, Lutfi is also claiming libel, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. 'Jamie and Lynne launched a campaign of lies and intimidation designed to destroy Lutfi and drive him out of Britney's life,' the papers read. 'This campaign also provided Jamie with the opportunity he needed to obtain an appointment as Britney's conservator.'
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges: 'despite seemingly accomplishing their objectives, Jamie and Lynne have nevertheless continued their smear campaign against Lutfi. Thus, having no other alternative, Lutfi brings this action to defend himself against Jamie's and Lynne's persistent attacks.'
Last Friday, Britney's father obtained a new restraining order against Lutfi, accusing him of harassing the Spears family. In papers, Jamie Spears and lawyer Andrew Wallet, who oversee the singer's affairs as co-conservators, alleged that Lufti and two other men 'are now working in concert to disrupt the conservatorship with utter disregard for Ms. Spears' health and well being.'
Sam Claims Book Was Damaging
Lutfi, who says he became Britney's manager after the two met in an L.A. nightclub in 2007, claims his reputation was damaged by Lynne Spears' book, Through the Storm, in which she makes allegations about Lutfi's control over her daughter. He calls the allegations 'lies and fabrication.'
'Since the publication of the book, Lutfi has been subjected to unfathomable amounts of ridicule and scorn,' and has received 'numerous death threats from overzealous fans,' the lawsuit reads, adding that Lutfi can 'no longer find work as a counsellor of at-risk teens.'
Lutfi also alleges that in January 2008, Jamie Spears burst into the singer's home and 'punched (Lutfi) in the chest,' which caused 'injury to his nervous system and person.' He adds the singer's father was 'screaming that ... Lutfi had made a rude comment to Lynne the night before.'
Finally, Lutfi claims he and Britney had an oral agreement that he would be compensated 15 percent of her earnings as her manager. Lutfi alleges that the agreement was confirmed in a text message on Oct. 13, 2007 in which the singer wrote: 'Sam, so that's fine, I want you to be my manager, you were right its 15 percent of my money but for 4 years not 5.' Lutfi claims that he hasn't received any payment for his alleged services.
Lutfi's attorney, Bryan J. Freedman said in a statement Tuesday that there is 'overwhelming evidence from independent witnesses' proving his client's case and that 'at the time of the trial in this action, the jury will have an opportunity to weigh the credibility of the witnesses.'
Lawyers for Jamie Spears weren't immediately available for comment.
By Ken Lee
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