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JL Public Relations, on behalf of DGP, Inc.

Liza Minelli's Long Time Bodyguard Sues Her for 'Money Damages Arising From Personal Injuries' and Producer David Gest Will Testify if Subpoenaed

Los Angeles (ots/PRNewswire)

The following is being issued by JL
Public Relations, on behalf of DGP, Inc.:
Producer David Gest has been besieged by press since the
announcement in the New York Post on October 1, 2004 that "M'Hammed
Soumayah, Minnelli's former long-time chauffer, confidant and
companion, has quietly filed suit against the Oscar winner, claiming
she repeatedly attacked him in alcohol-fueled rampages, a
knowledgeable source told The Post. The suit was filed under seal
earlier this week, but court records show it seeks "money damages
arising from personal injuries." The (Post) source said "some of
those injuries were the result of attacks at the hands of the
58-year-old Minnelli... Liza should change professions -- drop
acting, go into boxing... This is deep trouble for Liza. It
completely vindicates David Gest."
Gest announced, "I am not surprised at the news as I witnessed Mr.
Soumayah being beaten by Ms. Minnelli on many, many occasions." If
subpoenaed by Soumayah or his attorney, Harvey Mars, Gest will
testify to the truth of what he saw. Gest went on to state, "It's a
tragedy that such a great talent as Ms. Minnelli is not getting the
proper help and care for her problem with alcohol."
According to seven-time karate champion and Liza Minnelli's former
European bodyguard, Imad Handi, "This is now the third bodyguard Liza
Minnelli has attacked. She bit her Los Angeles bodyguard, Willie
Green, in the chest with teeth marks going through his skin, belted
me in the stomach and now hurt the man (M'Hammed Soumayah) who saw
her through encephalitis when she could not walk and talk. To top it
off, in a drunken rage, she even started choking her and David's
production manager, Steve Benanav. With this new suit, the Post
source was right by stating David Gest has been completely
vindicated. I was with Liza in Italy, Holland, France and England and
will testify in Court about the horror stories Liza Minnelli put
David and me through. The woman obviously needs help."
Gest, who will announce next week his first major show in a year
and a half since suffering excessive head injuries from the hands of
58-year-old Minnelli, is finally getting back to work after being
under extensive medical care and on many prescription drugs. Gest's
production will feature 100 stars and take place on December 6, 2004
at The Cannon Center For The Performing Arts in Memphis, Tennessee at
7:00 P.M. Gest is now residing between Memphis and Honolulu. A press
conference is to be held in Memphis during the next two weeks
announcing the event, stars performing and a humanitarian effort Gest
will be undertaking.
The Post also stated that Gest may be filing a suit against the
Pennsylvania-based rehab center, the Caron Foundation for "releasing
Liza too early." In response to that, Gest has stated, "If I do file
a suit or class-action against the Caron Foundation, its President,
Doug Tieman and their rehab assistant, Bill Teuteberg, it will be for
much more than releasing Ms. Minnelli too early!" Gest went on to
add, "My heart goes out to M'Hammed, his wife and two children (to
whom Minnelli is a Godparent) because I have seen what she is capable
of and know how trying a situation like this can be. I feel confident
that the truth will prevail and justice will be served when we each
have our day in Court."
Released by Joanne Lichtenstein for DGP, Inc.

Contact:

Warren Cowan, +1-310-275-0777, for DGP, Inc.