According to the Hollywood Reporter, a complaint was filed in LA Superior Court today by a former body guard of Justin Bieber’s.
Moshe Benabou is seeking unspecified damages for assault and battery, and is also seeking back wages in the amount of $421,261.
According to the lawsuit, the self-proclaimed “Prince of Pop” went on a tirade, berating Benabou and attacking him after a disagreement backstage that involved one of the singer’s entourage.
"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," says the complaint. "As part of this tirade, Justin Bieber repeatedly punched Moshe Benabou in the chest and upper body area. Mr. Benabou did not retaliate or attempt to protect himself out of his concerns for Justin Bieber's physical well-being."
As Benabou turned around to walk away the singer yelled, “You’re fired.”
The back wages stem from 16 to 18 hour days that Benabou worked and was never appropriately compensated for. He was incorrectly told by Bieber, and BT Touring, that he was a salaried employee and not entitled to overtime, contradicting California state laws.
In a statement released by Benabou’s attorney, he states:
"For nearly two years Mr. Benabou devoted himself completely to ensuring Mr. Bieber's personal safety. Mr. Benabou deserved, as does any employee, to be treated with respect, dignity and in accordance with the law. Unfortunately, he was not. "
Bieber just recently avoided prosecution after charges were filed against him for punching and kicking a photographer outside a movie theater. There was insufficient evidence to pursue the charges.
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