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John Travolta's Attorney Threatens Accuser with Malicious Prosecution

By Edward Tan, JD on May 10, 2012 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

The anonymous masseur who's suing John Travolta for sexual battery and emotional distress may soon be slapped with a malicious prosecution lawsuit, The Hollywood Reporter reports.

Travolta's attorney, Marty Singer, says he can prove the unnamed man's allegations are lies. The masseur wants $2 million from the Pulp Fiction star. He claimed the actor tried to turn his Los Angeles massage into a sexual encounter. But Singer alleges Travolta wasn't even in the city at the time.

Travolta's lawyer has vowed to file a malicious prosecution claim against both the unnamed man and his attorney, Okorie Okorocha. And judging from Singer's background, he's definitely the right person to handle Travolta's legal troubles.

Singer has successfully defended other celebrities from these types of lawsuits. His past clients include Charlie Sheen and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Malicious prosecution can be tough to prove since it's a two-part battle. First the plaintiff must defeat the false civil or criminal complaint. After that, they must show the other party launched their initial suit only to harass the plaintiff.

The malicious party's attorney can also be liable if they fail to properly investigate the allegations before filing suit.

Singer accuses Okorocha of not doing his due diligence. "There is a heightened standard for a lawyer suing a celebrity and knowing the media will pick it up," Singer said.

As for the masseur, Travolta's attorney plans to first file a motion to force him to reveal his identity.

Anonymity was required to protect the masseur's career due to Travolta's fame and influence, according to the masseur's complaint.

If John Travolta's attorney wins his forthcoming malicious prosecution claim, the Get Shorty star could be getting a lot of money in the form of punitive damages.

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