Liza Minnelli To Testify In Person In Driver Sexual Harassment Case

Legendary entertainer LIZA MINNELLI has won a battle to defend herself in person against claims she forced herself on her former driver.

The 62-year-old star is being sued for $100 million (GBP50 million) by her former chauffeur M'hammed Soumayah - who claims Minnelli forced him to have sexual relations "without his consent" in 2004.

Soumayah alleges to have suffered assault and battery in the case, claiming his pay was withheld until he performed certain services for the star.

Soumayah's lawyer suggested the star give testimony by video, as Minnelli "has been known to have professional commitments to meet".

But Minnelli's rep has insisted the request is "just a way to embarrass" the singer and would suggest she isn't sound enough to appear for the deposition in person.

Minnelli is scheduled to make a pre-trial statement in Manhattan Supreme court on 15 August (08).

The Cabaret star's lawyers have previously called Soumayah's lawsuit "a quicksand of untruths and misstatements" and accused him of an attempt to "shakedown" Minnelli for financial gain.

This is not Minnelli's sole experience dealing with sexual harassment lawsuits.

The star's suit against her former husband David Gest was thrown out of court by a New York federal judge in 2006 before the couple's divorce was finalised the following year (Apr07).