Prison Break's Robert Knepper has been sued for defamation by costume designer Susan Bertram after the actor publicly denied her earlier allegations of sexual misconduct.
Last year, Bertram claimed that Knepper had assaulted her while filming the 1991 film Gas Food Lodging, alleging that the actor had grabbed her crotch and pinned her up against the wall.
In a statement posted to Instagram last November, Knepper said that he was "shocked and devastated" by Bertram's claims, insisting that he had not been violent towards the designer.
"Over the past few weeks, my wife and I have discussed the pain women have experienced and the bravery they have shown in coming forward," he wrote.
"I am shocked and devastated to be falsely accused of violence against a woman. That's just not who I am."
Following the actor's response, Bertram's lawyers have now filed a suit against Knepper, arguing that his "false" statements have interfered with her "ability to find work" (via Deadline).
The lawsuit claims that Knepper's comments subsequently "damaged [Bertram's] reputation in the Hollywood and entertainment community, and have caused her great mortification and emotional distress".
The suit goes on to call Knepper's statement "slanderous" and harmful to her professional reputation, arguing that those in the industry may now see Bertram as "untrustworthy, deranged [and] unqualified to work".
It's reported that Bertram is seeking damages in a jury trial for Knepper's statement, which the suit claimed to be 'intentional'. "[Knepper] acted with malice, oppression, and fraud," it adds.
source-digitalspy
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