Bravo, ‘Flipping Out’ Couple Sued by Surrogate Mother, Accused of Filming Birth and Joking About Genitalia
A woman who acted as a surrogated mother for “Flipping Out” star Jeff Lewis and his partner Gage Edward has filed a lawsuit against the couple and the show’s network, Bravo
Alexandra Trent says that she gave birth to Lewis and Edward’s daughter, Monroe, in 2016 and that the reality show’s producers filmed the birth without her permission.
“Defendants filmed Trent’s genitalia without her knowledge — and against her express prohibition — while she gave birth, then made crude and disgusting jokes about her genitalia and grooming in the pursuit of ratings,” the lawsuit filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday states.
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“The highest levels of privacy are medical and sexual and the Defendants managed to violate both levels,” it continues.
During the episode that aired in last August, Lewis says in a clip of the show: “If I was a surrogate, and I had known there was going to be an audience, I probably would have waxed … And that was the shocking part for Gage. I don’t think Gage had ever seen a vagina, let alone one that big,” he added.
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Trent signed a five-page release from production company AE when she first met with Lewis and Edward at a restaurant to discuss becoming their surrogate, but was told it only covered that initial meeting, she claims in the suit. She said she was later told that anything after the initial ultrasounds would require her to sign an additional release for them to be allowed to film.
“At the time of birth, there was no agreement to film the birth in any capacity,” her lawsuit states. It claims that AE surreptitiously filmed her from behind a curtain with Lewis and Edward’s approval.
“Trent and her doctor were not aware the birth was being filmed,” the suit says.
The suit seeks damages for unlawful recording, invasion of privacy and fraud.
Representatives for Bravo did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Also Read: 'Flipping Out's' Jeff Lewis: NeNe Leakes Was 'Regressing,' Getting 'Dirty' on 'RHOA' (Video)
“Flipping Out” follows the flip projects of L.A.-based designer Lewis as he renovates homes and sells them for a profit.
“Flipping Out” is now in its 10th season. Lewis acts as star and executive producer.
Watch a clip from the birth episode below.
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