John Travolta: Sex case accuser to face counter lawsuit of malicious prosecution

John Travolta: Sex case accuser to face counter lawsuit of malicious prosecution

Superstar John Travolta's lawyer has confirmed that he intends to launch a counter-suit against an unnamed man who has accused the star of sexual misconduct.

The dancer and actor is accused of alleged sexual harrassment by an anonymous masseur, who is seeking $2 million in damages. However, the Pulp Fiction actor's lawyer Marty Singer told The Hollywood Reporter that he will take legal action - not only against the claimant, but also the claimant's lawyer - for malicious prosecution.

The lawyer said: "There is a heightened standard for a lawyer suing a celebrity and knowing the media will pick it up. The lawyer can't just rely on the client. He needs to do an investigation and has an obligation to do due diligence."

Travolta's lawyer also said that he could prove that Travolta was not present in Los Angeles on January 16, the date of the alleged incident.

The star released a statement through his publicist on Monday evening (May 7) saying that he was over 2,000 miles away on the opposite side of America at the time, adding: "This lawsuit is a complete fiction and fabrication. None of the events claimed in the suit ever occurred."

Noting that the claim was filed anonymously, Singer explained that the next step in proceedings would be for a court to decide whether the claimant can be named.

Singer then explained that his team would have to successfully disprove the masseur's allegations against Travolta in court before any malicious prosecution case could be brought.

The professional masseur has argued that the claim was filed anonymously because the actor is "famous and powerful", arguing that Travolta would experience no prejudice from an anonymous claim whereas the allegations could ruin his career.