News Summary
Melanie Beth Sterling, a Las Vegas dancer, has filed a motion to dismiss a $38.5 million lawsuit from Fred Brunner, who alleges fraud during their relationship. The case is set for a hearing in October to determine the validity of Brunner’s claims of emotional manipulation and financial deception over a decade-long relationship that began in 2014. Sterling contends that their relationship was never exclusive, and her lawyer suggests that Brunner’s lawsuit is a continuation of baseless allegations against her.
Las Vegas – Melanie Beth Sterling, a dancer based in Las Vegas, has filed a motion to dismiss a $38.5 million lawsuit against her by Fred Brunner, an Arkansas businessman who claims he was defrauded during a decade-long relationship with her that began in 2014. Brunner is seeking $3.5 million in compensatory damages and $35 million in punitive damages, alleging that Sterling manipulated their relationship for financial gain.
According to Sterling’s attorney, Jim Jimmerson, this latest lawsuit is yet another example of Brunner’s ongoing pattern of making “meritless” claims against her. The legal dispute is set to move forward, as a judge in Arkansas ruled that the case should be heard in Clark County District Court in Nevada. A hearing on Sterling’s motion to dismiss is scheduled for October 21.
Brunner’s allegations stem from their initial meeting at a strip club in Las Vegas while he was undergoing a divorce. He claims that Sterling pursued him, becoming aware of his wealth compared to her usual clientele. The businessman asserts that he was led to believe that Sterling was exclusively interested in him, stating that he received emotional support during his divorce process.
Brunner’s lawsuit details that during the course of their relationship, Sterling made over 100 requests for financial assistance, which he complied with by sending checks amounting to more than $2.1 million. The funds reportedly enabled Sterling to purchase a $720,000 home in Las Vegas, which is registered in her name.
In response to the lawsuit, Sterling argues that her relationship with Brunner was never monogamous, stating that she was aware of his non-exclusive interests from the outset. The legal documents reveal an incident from December 8, 2020, where Sterling reached out to Brunner about feeling unwell while spending time with another man, further indicating the nature of their relationship.
Additionally, Sterling claims that Brunner had previously begged her to return to him in 2024 and suggests that his legal action arose when he learned of her involvement with another individual, Shanta Cotright. Sterling contends that the funds given to her by Brunner were used for her personal expenses, which supports her argument that she does not owe him anything. The lawsuit also lists Cotright as a co-defendant, accusing her of being complicit in the alleged financial deception.
Brunner’s accusations highlight a scenario where he claims to have been “hoodwinked” by Sterling, suggesting a breach of trust based on their emotional connection. However, Sterling’s motion counters that many lawsuits of this nature surface following the termination of a relationship, indicating that Brunner’s claims may not be as solid as he hopes.
As the legal proceedings evolve, both parties will present their side in court to determine the validity of Brunner’s allegations and finalize the fate of the financial claims made against Sterling. The upcoming hearing in October is anticipated to shed more light on the circumstances of their complex relationship.
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- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- The Wrap
- 5 News Online
- News 3 LV
- Wikipedia: Las Vegas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Las Vegas
- Google Search: Las Vegas exotic dancers
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