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Patti LaBelle Threw Water at NY Toddler, Lawsuit Claims

By Cynthia Hsu, Esq. on November 16, 2011 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Guess which diva is being sued for her diva-like behavior? Patti LaBelle is accused of throwing water and shouting obscenities at Roseanna Monk and her 18-month-old toddler.

The incident allegedly occurred last November in the New York building where Monk lives. LaBelle was allegedly staying there when she was performing on Broadway.

Monk says that LaBelle became irritated when she let her toddler wander around the lobby. Monk was busy sorting her luggage at the time.

That's when LaBelle stepped in.

Monk says LaBelle chastised her for her behavior. And her response to the singer was frank: "Lady, mind your own business."

Apparently, that's when LaBelle lost her cool. Monk says at that point, the singer started throwing water from a water bottle toward both her and her daughter. The fighting continued outside, as LaBelle lunged towards her and tried to punch her. Monk says the singer was then restrained by her bodyguards and entourage.

Monk filed a complaint with police but no arrests were made. She's now suing for an unspecified amount of damages - partially because LaBelle never responded with an apology for the outburst, according to the Huffington Post.

It seems LaBelle may have a somewhat ill temper. This is her second lawsuit in the past year. She was previously accused of an unprovoked assault on a man at a Houston airport.

The success of Roseanna Monk's lawsuit will depend heavily on whether or not the facts alleged in her complaint are true. If Patti LaBelle did throw water she could be found liable for battery. Typically, battery is the intentional - and nonconsensual - contact between the plaintiff and the defendant. And yes, sometimes even throwing water can count.

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