Showbiz

Patti LaBelle 'accused of ordering beating'

Published Saturday, Jun 4 2011, 09:31 BST | By Tom Eames | 12 comments

Patti LaBelle at the official opening of the 2010 Macy's Flower Show

Patti LaBelle has been accused of ordering her bodyguards to beat up a US marine who was standing "too close to her limousine".

Richard King, 23, has accused the disco singer of ordering an assault against him at Houston airport on March 11.

According to Houston and Texas News, King's lawyer John Raley explained that his client was on his phone and had no idea who LaBelle was.

Raley said: "Apparently, LaBelle believed King was standing too close to her luggage, even though he was oblivious to her presence and the danger he was in. She lowered the window of her limousine and gave a command to her bodyguards. They sprang into action."

LaBelle's limo driver has also accused King of hitting him and being verbally abusive, but declined to press charges.

King was taken to hospital for concussion after the incident, and is suing the 'Lady Marmalade' singer for actual and punitive damage.

Watch security footage of the incident below: