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Jennifer Lopez sued by former driver over abuse and humiliation
Jennifer Lopez, the renowned American singer, actress, and judge on American Idol, is currently facing a lawsuit from her former personal driver.
Hakob Manoukian, who served as the singer’s chauffeur, is claiming that Lopez’s manager, Benny Medina, humiliated him.
Manoukian began working for Lopez and her then-husband, Marc Anthony, in 2005.
He states that the couple appreciated his work so much that they convinced him to shut down his own company and serve exclusively as Lopez’s Head of Security and Transportation.
Manoukian claims that Lopez had agreed to pay him more than $200,000 per year for his services.
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However, in 2011, when Lopez began filming for the movie “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” Manoukian states that he was forced to take on additional duties under Medina’s supervision.
According to Manoukian, Medina had a dislike for him from the beginning and would often criticize him for his appearance.
In one incident, Manoukian claims that Medina verbally abused him in public and stated that he “could not speak English well enough.”
Manoukian claims that Medina eventually persuaded Lopez to demote him, taking away his security responsibilities and reducing him to being merely Lopez’s Los Angeles driver.
As a result, Manoukian states that he was forced to resign and is now suing Lopez and Medina for unspecified damages.
However, in response to the allegations, Medina stated to TMZ that Manoukian was a “disgruntled employee who chose to quit.”
The lawsuit brings to light the power dynamics at play in the entertainment industry, where managers hold significant influence over the careers of their clients.
It also raises questions about the treatment of employees, particularly those in lower-level positions.
Lopez, who has had a successful career spanning several decades, has yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the case will ultimately be resolved.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of treating all employees with respect and fairness, regardless of their position within a company.
It also highlights the potential consequences of mistreatment, as well as the potential legal ramifications.
In a statement to the media, Manoukian said: “I am deeply hurt and disappointed by the way I was treated.”
“I put my heart and soul into my job and dedicated many years of my life to Jennifer and her family. I never expected to be treated this way.”