Saxe offers million reasons for truth
David Saxe responded to a lawsuit by his Stripper 101 instructors with a $1 million challenge.
If they pass a lie detector test, he pays.
The veteran theater owner and show producer issued the challenge Wednesday, a day after the lawsuit, filed March 16, was reported.
The five instructors, all independent contractors, say hidden cameras were set up in a room where they performed and changed clothes.
The plaintiffs - Rachael Carter, Lana Stewart, Jill Sutherin, Kindra Kroll and Nicole Cherry - filed the lawsuit against Saxe, his production company and several employees, claiming invasion of privacy, conspiracy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Two video cameras were discovered in January, one while a dancer was trying to move a ceiling light with a broom handle, the lawsuit says.
"Since they like to lie to get money, I figured this would be an even better opportunity for them," said Saxe, who started the classes in 2006 in a lounge above his V Theater at what was then known as Aladdin's Desert Passage mall.
In a motion to dismiss, Saxe said the cameras were installed as part of a routine security upgrade.
"Lawsuits can take years and I can't wait another day to clear my name, that's why I am challenging my accusers to a lie detector test," Saxe said. "If they pass, I will pay them $1 million. If they fail, they only have to pay $500,000, which I will then donate to a charity that helps business owners fight extortion and malicious prosecution."
SIGHTINGS
Shania Twain, having lunch with friends at Spago (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Wednesday. I'm hearing she's shooting a video today with horses at a commercial studio on West Russell. She starts her Caesars Palace residency Dec. 1 . ... Peta Murgatroyd of "Dancing With the Stars," who teamed up to capture the mirror ball trophy Tuesday, headed for Las Vegas on Wednesday to celebrate, a spy tells me. ... Toby Keith, performing five songs at University of Oklahoma basketball coach Lon Kruger and wife Barb's Southern Highlands home Monday night during the Coaches vs. Cancers fundraiser. Keith, who was with Scotty Emerick, one of his early co-songwriters, performed the songs with attendees who paid handsomely to sing with him. ... A tender moment after the Billboard Awards show Sunday: As Gladys Knight was leaving the MGM Grand Garden, she saw Stevie Wonder. She approached him, leaned in and said, "Stevie, it's Gladys." They embraced like long-lost friends. Knight, who was walking with celebrity physician Joe Johnson, introduced him to Wonder. Johnson told Wonder they met 40-plus years ago at Arkansas State University, when Johnson booked him to play at the school. ... Joey Fatone, Tia Carrere, Lacey Schwimmer and Sabrina Bryan of "Dancing With the Stars: Live in Las Vegas," backstage at "Jersey Boys" (Paris) on Tuesday after the show. ... Gov. Brian Sandoval at Vintner Grill on Wednesday. ... "Mystere" performer Brian Dewhurst's surprise 80th birthday party after the late show Tuesday included longtime friend Graeme Quinn Smith, who performed in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in London; Eddie Hawkins, who performed with modern dancer Katherine Dunham; and Christina Schoenberg, a baroness from Denmark. Son Nicky Dewhurst, who normally performs as a clown in "Zumanity" (New York-New York), played the Pink Man with the puppet and interacted with his father throughout the show. ... Miley Cyrus, ordering sushi rolls with friends at Koi (Planet Hollywood Resort) on Sunday after the Billboard Awards.
THE PUNCH LINE
"It's the 20th anniversary of Johnny Carson leaving 'The Tonight Show.' Here's a guy, Johnny Carson, the best ever, and he knew when to leave - unlike me. My plan is I'm going to stay here until it's sad." - David Letterman
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
