Movie producers 'have video evidence'

Producers being sued by a woman claiming to have been left crippled after a Sacha Baron Cohen stunt say they have video evidence that proves no assault took place.

Richelle Olson has begun legal action against Cohen and NBC Universal, claiming she was injured in a stunt when Cohen’s Bruno character disrupted a bingo night in California in 2007.

She claimed a ‘physical struggle ensued’ when she tried to wrest the microphone from Cohen and that she ‘offensively touched, pushed and battered’ her.

The legal papers said that she then went weeping to another room, where she fainted, hitting her head and causing injuries that left her needing a wheelchair.

But NBC Universal bosses have now unearthed footage they insist proves Cohen did not lay a hand on the alleged victim.

They issued a statement reading: ‘Filmed footage of the full encounter, which took place more than two years ago, clearly shows that Ms. Olson was never touched or in any way assaulted by Sacha Baron Cohen or any member of the production and suffered no injury.

‘If the Olsons elect to proceed with their frivolous action, we expect each of the defendants to be fully vindicated.’

Meanwhile Olson’s lawyer, Kyle Madison, released his own statement asking for privacy for his 39-year old client.

‘The actions of Mr. Cohen and those acting in concert with him have resulted in life-altering injuries to my client,’ it said.

‘My focus is her well-being and to secure a fair, just and equitable remedy for her claims. This claim is distinguishable from Mr. Cohen\'s previous lawsuits as a defendant.’

Published: 6 Jun 2009