Bruno 'assault' woman changes her tune

The woman who sued Sacha Baron Cohen for assault at a charity bingo event has dropped her claims she was physically attacked.

But Richelle Olson has now lodged an amended lawsuit claiming that she instead suffered ‘emotional distress’ that caused her to collapse.

Her lawyers say that when she fell she ‘slammed her forehead against the concrete’ leaving her confined to a wheelchair and crutches.

The original complaint, filed last month, claimed Baron Cohen and his crew got into a scuffle with Olson while filming the new Borat movie. It said that Baron Cohen ‘offensively touched, pushed and battered’ her for up to five minutes.

Movie studio Universal said their footage proved no assault took place and that it was actually Olson who assaulted Baron Cohen, attempting to pull him out of a chair.

The Hollywood Reporter says that after viewing the tape, Olson’s lawyers amended their complaint.

However, they say the case isn't any less serious, claiming: ‘Mr Baron Cohen and those associated with the production of Bruno, are accountable for inflicting serious emotional distress and the resulting injuries to Mrs. Olson.’

Universal is not commenting on the case.

Published: 12 Jul 2009