Britney Spears has been hit with a lawsuit by her former backup dancer, who claimed that the singer broke her nose during rehearsals last year.
TMZ reported that dancer and actress Dawn Noel has filed a lawsuit against the 32-year-old pop star for battery and negligence after being injured while rehearsing for Spears's "Work B****" music video. Noel claimed she has not yet been compensated for her medical expenses after the accident on August 19.
The lawsuit filed on Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court against Spears and management firm Reign Deer Entertainment LLC, City News Service stated that Spears was "unbalanced," "disheveled and confused" during rehearsals.
Noel stated that "although the choreography involving Spears was fairly basic, [the singer] was having difficulty learning the moves, performing dance steps and following simple directions." A half hour into rehearsals, Spears allegedly "twirled in the unbalanced and reckless manner, arms extended out to her sides, and forcefully backhanded" Noel in the face.
Spears allegedly apologized but Noel added that "Toxic" singer was careless and refused to stop rehearsals. The lawsuit stated that Noel's nose made "a cracking sound," which was reportedly heard by the other backup dancers.
"Dawn says the impact was so forceful, everyone in the room heard a cracking sound," TMZ reported. "Dawn says she was in excruciating pain [that] after a half hour she couldn't take the pain and went to a doctor, who told her she had a nasal bone fracture and needed surgery."
According to the filings, after receiving medical attention, Spears' reps and the Reign Deer Entertainment Company reportedly promised to cover Noel's medical expenses. However, she was told months later she would not be reimbursed.
"After months of waiting for defendants to come through with their promise, and making certain that this incident did not become public knowledge to protect the privacy of all involved, defendants' representative then advised that they would not pay for any of plaintiff's medical treatment," the lawsuit states.
Noel is suing for physical and emotional damages, disfigurement to her nose and emotional distress and anxiety. She is seeking unspecified damages.
