CNN anchor Don Lemon is reportedly being sued for allegedly sexually assaulting a former bartender at a New York City bar last year.
The victim, Dustin Hice, is suing Lemon for "demeaning, unprovoked and offensive assault" after an encounter at Murf’s Backstreet Tavern in Sag Harbor.
A CNN spokesperson stated that "Don categorically denies these claims."
"The plaintiff in this lawsuit has previously displayed a pattern of contempt for CNN on his social media accounts," the statement said Tuesday. "This claim follows his unsuccessful threats and demands for an exorbitant amount of money from Don Lemon."
The lawsuit claims that Hice approached Lemon at the bar and offered to buy him a drink, which the news anchor declined. Later that night, Lemon approached Hice and (sexually) assaulted the man.
Per USA Today:
"(Lemon) put his hand down the front of his own shorts, and vigorously rubbed his genitalia, removed his hand and shoved his index and middle fingers into (Hice's) mustache and under (Hice's) nose," reads the lawsuit, obtained by Mediaite.
Hice claims Lemon proceeded to ask questions about his sexual preferences, saying, "Do you like (vagina) or (penis)?" The lawsuit added, "While saying this, Mr. Lemon continued to shove his fingers into (Hice's) face with aggression and hostility."
As a result of the alleged attack, Hice said he suffered "severe emotional stress and loss of future earnings and opportunities."
Source: usatoday.com
