Steven Seagal's popular A&E program that follows his exploits as a Louisiana deputy sheriff has had it's filming schedule suspended during the sexual scandal surrounding the actor. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand held a press conference where he announced that any further filming of the popular cable TV p program would only be disruptive to the police bureau and announced that the program's filming would be immediately suspended.
A 23 year old model, Kayden Nguyen, filed a complaint with the California Department Of Fair Employment & Housing that she was repeatedly sexually fondled by Seagal, held against her will, and given prescription drugs against her will. Nguyen requested the agency to grant her the right to sue for those violations, and the California state agency approved her request on April 1, 2010. It's not clear why the actress is seeking a lawsuit rather than filing sex crimes charges against the actor, but it might be that a civil lawsuit requires a far lower standard of evidence to win a case.
Interestingly, Nguyen is claiming sexual harassment in the lawsuit, although her allegations include that both breasts and vagina were fondled by the actor against her will. Further, Nguyen claims that two other women also faced inappropriate treatment by Seagal as well.
Until Seagal has his day in court to legally refute the allegations made in the lawsuit, it casts a huge dark shadow over his career. And all of the bad publicity only makes his role as a deputy sheriff far more complicated, if not completely compromised.
For his part, Seagal's lawyer, Marty Singer, has termed the lawsuit as "outrageous and unlawful" and has threatened Nguyen with $50,000 in damages for filing such claims in court that this lawyer claims never happened.
However, in a courtroom it may be more difficult for Seagal to prove his innocence because of the lower standard of evidence required to win civil suits. However, any out of court settlement would carry serious baggage for the actor if he wishes to prove complete innocence and totally refute the allegations.
But, a growing problem for Seagal is the building evidence from a number actresses and models. Comic actress Jenny McCarthy now confirms that when she was looking for a role in Seagal's film, UNDER SIEGE 2, Seagal asked her to take off her dress and strip during the casting call. McCarthy got angry and told the actor to rent her old PLAYBOY video instead and called him an "asshole" and left for her car. Further, a PENTHOUSE Magazine story featured nine women who also made complaint's about the sexual conduct of Seagal. CBS Crimesider has run a few stories now related to Steven Seagal and complaints that women have about his sexual conduct towards them.
However, an old episode of THE TYRA BANKS SHOW where Nguyen was a guest is likely to be used in court by the attorney for Seagal, because Nguyen brags about using her "sex appeal to get any girl" or "trick any guy". The show was about the gay community.
Nguyen claims that her lawsuit was her best plan of action because of the relationship of Seagal with the local police there, questioning whether she could receive objective justice. But, then again, a $1 million dollar award for a struggling actress would be a lot of money.
Coming to a courtroom near you.
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