FRESNO, Calif. – The wife of Rep. Gary Condit is suing the Star tabloid magazine for $15 million, claiming it libeled her by claiming she threatened to kill herself because of her husband's relationship with federal intern Chandra Levy.
In the lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Fresno, Carolyn Condit said the magazine knowingly published falsehoods in a Sept. 11, 2001, cover story, including claims that she threatened to kill herself, trashed the family house and sought counseling.
The statements ``could falsely convey to the reader that (Carolyn Condit) is an intemperate hothead who will do or say anything to get the attention of her husband and who acts wildly out of control,'' the lawsuit said.
Carolyn Condit also asked for an apology and retraction from defendants Star Editorial, Inc. and American Media Inc. Gerald McKelvey, an American Media spokesman, said Saturday that he had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment on it.
Levy's skeletal remains were found May 22 in a Washington, D.C., park and her death was ruled a homicide. Her killer has not been captured.
Rep. Condit, a California Democrat, reportedly told police he and Levy were having an affair. Police do not consider him a suspect in her death.
Carolyn Condit also has sued the National Enquirer for libel, seeking $10 million. A federal judge has set a September 2003 trial date for that case if it can't be settled outside of court.
Condit lost his March primary re-election bid and will leave Congress when his term ends.
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