Update
Pete Wentz Facing Fallout from Alleged Blowup
Donato Sardella/WireImage.com
UPDATE: Pete Wentz's rep had this to say about the assault claim filed against the Fall Out Boy bassist earlier today in Chicago:
"This case is meritless. We looked into it and the facts don't support his claims. We will vigorously defend this case in court."
So there.
_____________________________
Maybe Pete Wentz needs to tone the emo down a notch.
The newly betrothed rocker was sued for assault and battery today by a Chicago man who claims he was beaten up by Wentz and his security team following a Fall Out Boy performance at a Chicago bar last June. (View the lawsuit.)
Andy Kallas claims Wentz and cohorts "without authorization and provocation, by physical force did strike, kick and beat" him for several minutes, leaving him with "serious injuries to his head, mouth and face," per the complaint filed in Cook County Circuit Court.
Speaking exclusively to E! News, Kallas' attorney says don't be fooled by the rocker's diminutive stature—"even small people who get the first blow can still do some damage," said Stephan Zouras.
The lawyer suggested that Ashlee Simpson's fiancé apparently mistook his client for someone else.
"It was a performance by invite only," said Zouras. "Apparently, during the performance, there was a verbal exchange between Mr. Wentz and some other individuals. It would seem that Mr. Wentz mistook my client for the person that was engaging in that exchange.
"Following the performance as he was exiting the premises, he saw my client and decided to have a physical confrontation with him, and he assaulted him. It was initiated by Mr. Wentz, but then apparently members of his entourage became involved, at least three or four individuals.”
Kallas, who's asking for unspecified damages for pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages, required hospitalization afterward and is still emotionally traumatized, Zouras said.
“All my client wants is for this individual to bear responsibility for his choices,” the attorney added. “We think celebrities should be held to a slightly higher standard.”
The lawsuit states that Wentz's conduct was "deliberate, willful, malicious and calculated to cause serious injury" to Kallas, who is also charging the possibly expectant dad with false imprisonment and negligence. Schuba's Tavern, the club where the alleged altercation took place, is named as a defendant as well.
—Reporting by Claudia Rosenbaum
Originally published April 30, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. PT
BIG PICTURE
European Vacation? Nope, Will's just finishing up the German leg of his promotional tour for flick Seven Pounds
More PhotosE! News Now
-
Jennifer Connelly's Weight Woes
As the A-list actress continues to lose weight her husband speaks out. Find out more.
-
Kathy Griffin Dishes on D-Word
The D-list comedienne tells Jimmy Kimmel about her D-word gaffe on CNN's live coverage of New Years. Hear it!
-
Drew Barrymore's New Blonde 'Do
The cute actress trades in her dirty blonde style for a new platinum set of locks! See how she looks!
-
Britney's New Year's Date
Who was Britney Spears hanging all over while ringing in the New Year? Sons Sean and Jayden of course! Check the pics.
Most Commented
- John Travolta's Son, Jett, Dead at 16 (771)
- Spoiler Chat: Guess Who May Have a Secret Son? (338)
- A Closer Look at What Ailed Jett Travolta (262)
- Sarah Palin "Over the Moon" About Grandson (168)
- Travolta Family Speaks Out: "We Are Heartbroken" (161)
- Grey's Anatomy: Can Mark Escape Lexie's Pull? (134)
- What's a Scientology Funeral Like? (126)
- Autopsy Scheduled for John Travolta's Son; Friends Gather to Mourn (104)
- Autopsy Confirms Jett Travolta Died of "Seizure," Body to Be Cremated (104)
- Brad Pitt Defends Jen & Angelina in the Same Article (103)
Top 10 Stories
- Lost's Naveen Andrews Gains Custody in Bewitching Court Fight
- Who's Got Jack Bauer's Back?
- Holy Oscar Momentum, Dark Knight!
- Fergie Preps for Her "Very Private" Wedding
- Jennifer Hudson Gets Some Image Love
- Biggest Loser Is Hot; Scrubs Is Warm-ish
- Jay-Z, Bruce, Miley Providing Inaugural Soundtrack
- A Biggest Loser Engagement
- Schadenfreude Still Nailin' the Palins
- Anne Hathaway's Hot Desert Night With New Man
Hot Topics
Fashion Police
Sweet SuccessAnne glows in her sparkly LBD. The fact that she's picking up an award this night probably helps, too!
More Photos
More Pics from mystyle.com
Our Partners
Shop
-
The Girls Next Door Book Get full access to the action you don't see on TV!
-
Snoop Dogg's Father Hood "Boss Lady" Tee And check out other apparel from Snoop's new Rich 'N Infamous line
Get Your E! News Now
E! News Now
-
Jennifer Connelly's Weight Woes
As the A-list actress continues to lose weight her husband speaks out. Find out more.
-
Kathy Griffin Dishes on D-Word
The D-list comedienne tells Jimmy Kimmel about her D-word gaffe on CNN's live coverage of New Years. Hear it!
-
Drew Barrymore's New Blonde 'Do
The cute actress trades in her dirty blonde style for a new platinum set of locks! See how she looks!
-
Britney's New Year's Date
Who was Britney Spears hanging all over while ringing in the New Year? Sons Sean and Jayden of course! Check the pics.
4 Comments
-
Show the next 1 - 0 of 4 comments
Now loading...