Spelling sues nurse for defamation

Producer Aaron Spelling has sued a nurse and her lawyer for allegedly violating a confidentiality agreement and spreading rumours around Hollywood that Spelling sexually harassed her.

Charlene Richards worked as a home nurse for Spelling, 82, in 2004. She threatened to reveal confidential information about him unless he paid her "an unspecified amount" to settle her sexual harassment claims.

Richards allegedly sent letters to "hundreds of people, including actresses on current and former Spelling TV shows," implying Spelling sexually harassed Richards and other employees. The Spellings seek US$5 million ($7.12 million) in compensatory damages.