Suit: Hostile workplace during 'Demoted' filming

[February 22, 2011]  DETROIT (AP) -- A Hollywood makeup artist is suing the producer of the "American Pie" movie franchise over what he says was a hostile work environment that included nipple-pinching and sexually explicit comments during the filming in Michigan of "Demoted."

Robert Maverick claims in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit that he endured numerous acts of unwelcome physical contact and verbal sexual abuse during the filming of the 2009 comedy produced by Warren Zide.

The seven-count lawsuit seeking lost wages, benefits and damages names Parallel the Zone LLC, Parallel Media LLC and several producers and employees.

Zide asked a federal judge to dismiss the case or transfer it to California.

The Detroit News said Zide and Parallel Media officials could not be reached for comment Monday.

[Associated Press]

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