Fan Files Lawsuit Against Gallagher
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A fan who was smacked by comedian Gallagher (search) during a performance has filed a lawsuit, claiming he was severely injured.
The complaint filed by Edwin May III in Clark County District Court on Monday follows a decision last week by prosecutors not to file misdemeanor battery charges against the 58-year-old comedian.
In the lawsuit, May said Gallagher became agitated during a May 27 show at the Riverside hotel-casino in Laughlin and struck him on the side of the head, damaging his hearing and inflicting extreme emotional, physical and psychological harm.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gallagher, whose real name is Leo Anthony Gallagher (search), couldn't immediately be reached for comment. The comedian has said he struck May as part of his act.
May is seeking a minimum of $80,000 in damages plus lawyer's fees from Gallagher and the Riverside resort, which is named as a co-defendant.
Hotel officials have said they fired Gallagher after the Memorial Day weekend incident, though the comedian says he quit.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gallagher is best known for smashing watermelons with a sledgehammer.