SANTA MONICA, Calif.–LAWFUEL – The Law Newswire – Within days of claiming that she was too “emotionally traumatized and distraught” to stand trial in the lawsuit Zeta Graff vs. Paris Hilton, Case No. SC086295, self-described hotel heiress Paris Hilton was reported to be “clubbing” at a nightclub in Los Angeles. This raises questions about claims by Ms. Hilton’s psychiatrist on Monday that Ms. Hilton isn’t capable of testifying in the lawsuit, which was scheduled to begin earlier this week.
In court papers filed Monday, psychiatrist Dr. Charles Sophy submitted a sworn declaration in which he stated Ms. Hilton is “distraught and traumatized as a consequence of the findings at the May 4 hearing … and her fear of incarceration.” He continued: “At this point in time, Ms. Hilton cannot effectively respond to examination as a witness or provide any significant input into her defense.” But according to recent news reports, Ms. Hilton was seen at Los Angeles nightclub Teddy’s on Saturday night. “Sporting a pretty sundress and a brimmed hat that kind of resembled a English riding helmet (neigh!), she spent the evening chatting and laughing with her girlfriends and appeared to be in a great mood …,” reports US Weekly.
“If Ms. Hilton was nightclubbing on Saturday night, she should not have been representing to the Court on Monday morning that she was unable to participate in the trial,” stated Zeta Graff. “Ms. Hilton should be required to explain her actions and account for them. Under the law, even Ms. Hilton is supposed to be held responsible and accountable for her actions.”
In the lawsuit, Ms. Graff alleges that Ms. Hilton used her wealth, power and celebrity to purposely damage Ms. Graff’s reputation by spreading lies to the press which were subsequently published in news outlets, websites, blogs and other media and read by millions of people around the world. Ms. Graff sued Paris Hilton on July 15, 2005 for libel and slander (defamation). Trial is scheduled to begin August 22, 2007.
Ms. Graff is represented by attorneys Bruce A. Broillet, Michael J. Avenatti and Alan Van Gelder of the Santa Monica, CA law firm of Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP (www.greene-broillet.com).
