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Elton John sued for sexual harassment by ex-bodyguard

Grammy winner allegedly made sexual advances on employee

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(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)

(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)

Elton John’s ex-bodyguard is suing for alleged battery, sexual battery and sexual harassment.

Former Los Angeles Police Department sergeant Jeffrey Wenninger alleges the musician made “unwelcome” advances on him starting in 2002, but that the incidences became greater in “frequency and intensity after 2010.”

The lawsuit lists three specific incidents in 2014 that claims John was inappropriate with Wenninger. The former body guard claims John would make comments like “You have so many gay genes in you. They just haven’t met up yet” and “Get your [penis] out.”

Wenninger claims John attempted to touch Wenninger’s penis and buttocks on numerous occasions. John allegedly also put his hand up Wenninger’s shirt and twisted his nipples. Wenninger says he attempted to resist John’s advances physically and verbally, but John continued his behavior.

Wenninger is suing for medical costs, lost wages and “physical, mental, and emotional injuries.”

The Grammy winner’s lawyer Orin Synder called Wenninger “a disgruntled former security officer seeking to extract an undeserved payment” in a statement.

“These claims are patently untrue and contradicted by numerous previous statements made by this plaintiff,” Snyder says in the statement. “We will not give into his latest abuse of the legal system.”

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PHOTOS: Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade

Annual LGBTQ celebration held in Dutch city during World Pride

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A scene from the 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key are on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10.

AMSTERDAM — The 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade was held on Saturday, Aug. 1.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers)

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PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

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A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

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Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

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Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite

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