Arts & Entertainment
Elton John sued for sexual harassment by ex-bodyguard
Grammy winner allegedly made sexual advances on employee
(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.”
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).
McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.
Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host of “Watch What Happens Live,” will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Daddy Diaries,” talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.
Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings.
Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
Brittney Griner considered suicide in Russian prison
HHS reverses Trump-era anti-LGBTQ rule
4th Circuit rules gender identity is a protected characteristic
PHOTOS: Capital Pride Pageant
Pride season has begun
