Dede Harris, the producer of "Hairspray," is being sued by a co-producer who alleges she's a serial groper.
Peter Stern and his investment partners in the off-Broadway play "Dog Sees God" filed the suit against Harris, a co-producer of the show. They seek $5 million in damages against Harris for "fraudulent, reckless and grossly negligent conduct."
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They allege that "Dog Sees God" has struggled because a "sexually obsessive" Harris can't keep her hands off actors in her productions.
The suit contends that Harris, who won a Tony for "Hairspray" and produced "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and "A Raisin in the Sun," failed to disclose allegations of past sexual harassment to the co-producers of "Dog Sees God."
Numerous cast members reportedly have quit the show.
Harris told the New York Post, which reported the lawsuit: "Every single accusation is 100 percent false."
The suit was filed, she told the Post, by a "first-time producer who has lost his investors' money and is trying to put up a smokescreen instead of dealing with it."
Harris is not listed among the producers of the Las Vegas production of "Hairspray," which opened this week at the Luxor.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
A LeRoy Neiman painting titled "Stardust Reflections" will be unveiled Friday at the Stardust. The painting commemorates 48 years of history at the Stardust, which closes early next year to make room for the $4 billion Echelon Place project. ...
Hot spots and cool stuff: Expect a G-rated version of Paris Hilton when she celebrates her 25th birthday tonight at Pure (Caesars Palace). A camera crew from "The Simple Life" is shooting the bash. ... Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and other Aerosmith members, along with Lenny Kravitz, reportedly are heading to Jet nightclub at The Mirage tonight. ... Nicky Hilton has a midnight fashion show at Light (Bellagio) after her 10 p.m. red-carpet appearance with sister Paris at Pure. ...
A belated Valentine to the Sahara for giving talented Louisiana teen Sarah Todora a career boost. Her second engagement runs through Monday, with shows at 2, 3, and 4 p.m. This kid's going places.
SIGHTINGS
Tyler and daughter Mia, 27, having dinner Thursday at Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas with friends. ... Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets, with fiancee and MTV veejay La La Vasquez, playing blackjack at $50 a hand at the Palms. ... Molly Sims, who stars in NBC's "Las Vegas," shooting NBA All-Star promo spots Thursday at Mandalay Bay, The Venetian, and the Forum Shops at Caesars. The segment on TNT will feature Sims and fellow Sports Illustrated swimsuit models taking viewers on a tour to Las Vegas hot spots. ... NFLers Willie McGinest, Keenan McCardell, Drew Bennett and Keary Colbert, shooting baskets at ESPN Zone (New York-New York) on Thursday night. Word is Colbert took 'em to the hoop, according to my spies, who are known for their truthfulness. ... Carrot Top, shopping at Talulah G's (Fashion Show) on Valentine's Day, trying to convince his girlfriend to let him buy her a red python Chloe bag.
THE PUNCH LINE
"President Bush said today he is standing by the vice president. Way behind him." -- Jay Leno.
