Justin Bieber’s legal team are pulling some shifts right now.
The 19-year-old star has settled an alleged assault and unpaid wages lawsuit filed by an ex-bodyguard before a previously slated trial date of February 18.
Moshe Benabou, an ex-member of the Israeli army who was employed by Bieber’s touring company from March 2011 to October 2012, filed his complaint in the Los Angeles Superior Court on January 10, 2013.
In addition to the assault and battery , Moshe was also suing Bieber for $421,261 for vacation wages, alleged failure to pay wages after termination, alleged failure to pay expenses, and alleged failure to pay overtime compensation.
The former guard claimed the teen singer argued and struck him several times in the chest before a October show during an alleged argument over a member of his entourage.
“The tirade was apparently triggered by what Justin Bieber perceived as an attempt by Moshe Benabou to keep one member of Mr. Bieber’s entourage physically away from Justin Bieber,” said Moshe’s complaint .
“As part of this tirade, Justin Bieber repeatedly punched Moshe Benabou in the chest and upper body area. Mr. Benabou did not retaliate or attempt to protect himself out of his concerns for Justin Bieber’s physical well-being.”
Moshe claimed he was fired as he walked away.
Gossip Cop reports a source told them Benabou was a “disgruntled employee,” who was “let go” after he had been “caught in multiple lies,” before surprising the singer with a hurtful lawsuit.
“The matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties, and the case has been dismissed,” Bieber lawyer Howard Weitzman told CNN Monday.
Currently battling a triple threat of driving under the influence (DUI) Icharge in Miami Beach following an alleged drag race, Bieber has also been charged with assault over an alleged attack on a Toronto limousine driver back in December.
Bieber’s lawyers have stated he is innocent of the assault charge, and he has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge and related charges.
In addition, the Canadian remains a suspect in a vandalism investigation in Los Angeles after a neighbor accused him of throwing eggs at his Calabasas, California home on January 9.
The felony vandalism and assault investigation has yet to become a formal charge, and it is reported police found no evidence linking the singer to the egging on security video seized from Bieber’s home during the raid.
However, the investigation continues.
After a turbulence few weeks, Justin flew into New Jersey’s Teterboro airport Friday to go to pre-Super Bowl parties .
His private plane was delayed for five hours while officials searched it over suspicions of marijuana onboard.
No drugs were found and the singer was allowed to re-enter the US.
Bieber was spotted at the Maxim’s and Leather and Lace pre-Super Bowl parties, but he was shut out of prestige events such as DirecTV Super Saturday Night bash at Pier 40 and three others, according to multiple reports.
Citing a source, New York Daily News’ Confidential column said, “Most clubs don’t want the hassle of having him inside anymore,” and referred to the star as “radioactive” and “volatile.”
On Monday, Bieber posted a selfie of himself which showed off his latest tattoo – a cross – and has now left New York.
The singer was seen interacting with fans today in the Big Apple hours before he left.
Meanwhile, gossip-site leaked stripper photos and promise of a sex tape is causing more PR flak for Bieber. Details here.
Who’s supplying the material we wonder?
247Paps.TV snapped the shot below.
(Photo: The Pop Prince of New York).
Check out Bieber’s departure from his mid-town NYC hotel Monday partially atop his SUV.
A fan captured the moment.