LOS ANGELES – Bill Maher (search) is a "very public" bachelor who never promised to marry and support an ex-girlfriend suing him for more than $9 million, according to a court document.
Attorneys for Maher, responding to Nancy "Coco" Johnsen's (search) lawsuit, said in a filing Tuesday there is no basis for her claims against the comedian and asked for the suit's dismissal.
"He never supported her financially, and he never promised to support her or to purchase any house for her," said the filing, calling Maher "a confirmed bachelor, and a very public one at that."
The two dated off and on for about 10 months and never lived together, according to the document, which also denies Johnsen's claims that Maher assaulted her and uttered racial slurs.
Besides alleging that Johnsen's claims are false, Maher's filing in Superior Court argues that her suit should be dismissed because her palimony demands are not legally recognized.
"California law doesn't accept or acknowledge the allegations as a legal cause of action," said attorney Adam F. Streisand, representing Maher. The case is set for a Feb. 1 hearing.
Johnsen, a former model and flight attendant, asked for $9 million and other unspecified damages in her lawsuit filed Nov. 10. It accused Maher of fraud, battery and assault.
She claims she fell in love with the HBO "Real Time" host during a 17-month relationship that began in January 2003 and that Maher convinced her to quit her job and promised marriage, children and a house.
But after she left Delta Airlines, Johnsen claimed, Maher "verbally abused" her and at a party last May he became angry and shook her, causing back and neck injuries.
She left his home and ended the relationship in May, Johnsen said.
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