It was Justin Bieber's world and this guy just guarded it. But no more. A former personal bodyguard for the "Boyfriend" singer is suing him for assault and battery and wages after a backstage incident where Bieber allegedly lost his temper and punched him repeatedly in the chest and then fired him.
According to the complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court and a copy of which was obtained by E! News, Moshe Benabou claims he's owed $421,261 in unpaid wages, unspecified damages and court costs after working overtime to protect the pop star.
Benabou alleges in the documents that the dispute between himself and Bieber that led to the purported altercation took place on Oct. 10, 2012 while the two were backstage prior to a concert.
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"Justin Bieber, egged on by a small group of his 'companions,' launched an abusive tirade against Moshe Benabou," reads the suit. "The tirade was apparently triggered by what Justin Bieber perceived as an attempt by Moshe Benabou to keep one member of Mr. Bieber's entourage physically away from Justin Bieber. As part of his tirade, Justin Bieber repeatedly punched (the plaintiff) in the chest and upper body area."
Benabou, who says he did not retaliate or attempt to protect himself, then alleged that the popster turned around and exclaimed, "You are fired!"
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Despite being unceremoniously given the boot, Bieber's minder asserts he's entitled to overtime pay for working in excess of 12 hours a day, seven days a week, totaling some $396,391 in damages, as well as money owed for vacation wages and wages owed immediately after his employment was terminated.
So far, no response from Bieber's camp.
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