John Travolta Sued by Cruise Ship Worker
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Ryan Pierse/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — A Chilean cruise ship employee named Fabian Zanzi has filed a lawsuit claiming John Travolta made sexual advances at him, according to E! Online. He says in a 16-page lawsuit that the incident occurred during a Royal Caribbean cruise in June 2009.
Zanzi says he was delivering room service to the actor when Travolta complained of neck pain. Zanzi alleges in court papers that when he reached for Travolta’s robe, the actor instead removed the robe and “proceeded to forcefully embrace” Zanzi while naked.
Zanzi claims that he “pleaded” with Travolta to release him from the embrace. He alleges Travola’s conduct was “nonconsensual, inappropriate, extreme and outrageous.”
Travolta’s attorney, Marty Singer, responded to the suit in a statement to E! News, saying, “This is another ludicrous lawsuit with inane claims. It is obvious that Mr. Zanzi and his lawyers are looking for their 15 minutes of fame.”
Zanzi also alleges that Travolta offered him $12,000 for his silence about the incident. However, Zanzi says he reported the incident to “at least three” superiors at Royal Caribbean.
Zanzi is asking for unspecified damages for assault and battery and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
An attorney for Travolta, who has been married to actress Kelly Preston since 1991, noted, “We are confident that my client will prevail on the merits and that he will be completely vindicated in court.”
Two masseurs sued Travolta earlier this year, claiming sexual battery and sexual harassment, but later dropped their complaints.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio