Joan Rivers Sued By Ex-Manager
The often controversial, but never ignored, Hollywood comedian and pundit, Joan Rivers' ex-manager is suing her in federal court, claiming unpaid fees and public ridicule.
Billy Sammeth, Ms. Rivers’ ex-manager has alleged that the comedian has an outstanding bill to him worth $179,000 and disparaged his reputation, and sullied his name in a documentary, "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work," as "unreliable" and missing in action.
"It's not true he was missing. The fact is that Joan needed to save money, so she cut Billy," Sammeth's lawyer Susan Chana Lask said. "She makes a big scene out of losing her 'best friend.' If he's her best friend, why lie and cut him off at the knees? That's the worst part."
Sammeth, in a statement, said he was a "loyal ally" of Rivers for 23 years, but "if I remain silent now, I am guilty of the same untruths she delivers throughout her film."
Rivers responded, saying was deserving of his firing and "is now making claims for money to which he is not entitled."
Among other allegations, Sammeth says he's entitled to 10% of the $200,000 Rivers won on "Celebrity Apprentice.” Readers may recall the Ms. Rivers’ won first place on the popular TV show; a prize she garnered just a couple of weeks after parting company with Mr. Sammeth.
