Bristol Palin's 'Your Mother's a Whore' Heckler Sues for Defamation
The man who told Bristol Palin that her mother is a "whore" and a "devil" is now suing the younger Palin for defamation. Ironic, much?
Stephen Hanks, who infamously heckled Bristol Palin at West Hollywood bar the Saddle Ranch Chop House last September, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Palin, claiming that she made false statements about him in a tabloid and that his image was used without his authorization in promotions for Palin's reality series "Bristol Palin: Life's a Tripp."
Also read: Bristol Palin Heckler Apologizes After Receiving Threats (Video)
In the suit, Hanks claims that Palin cited him in an interview with In Touch magazine as the reason she moved from Los Angeles back to Alaska. However, Hanks claims he has proof that she had already purchased new digs in Alaska months before they ever had their sordid run-in. Palin's alleged falsities, Hanks claims in the suit, have caused his reputation and career to suffer.
Hanks is also suing A&E, the parent company of Lifetime -- which airs "Life's a Tripp" -- claiming that his image has been used in ads for the series, when he never signed a release.
Also read: Bristol Palin Gets in Bar Fight, Reveals Her Gaydar Powers (Video)
During the September run-in, Hanks shouted "Your mother is a whore," throwing in for good measure, "Your mother is a f--king devil."
"Is it because you're a homosexual?," Palin retorted. "[T]hat's why you hate her?"
After Hanks asked why she thought he is gay, Palin told him that she "can tell" he is.
Hanks later apologized for the incident (albeit after receiving threats against himself, his family "and even his pets," according to his lawyer).
"I expressed my feelings in an improper manner in the heat of the moment, and allowed my emotions to get the better of me … I apologize to them for my poor judgment that night, and to Bristol for any hurt my actions may have caused her," Hanks said in a statement. "I wish Bristol success with her television show, and much happiness in the future."
That was then, this is now, apparently.
In addition to defamation, Hanks claims invasion of right to privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress and misappropriation of right of publicity.
The suit seeks unspecified damages, plus attorney's fees and interest.
Lifetime had no comment on the lawsuit for TheWrap.
Watch Palin and Hanks' magical encounter last September in the video.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.
Related Articles:
'Bristol Palin: Life's a Tripp' Gets June Airdate
