John Travolta Sued by Male Massage Therapist over Sex Assault Claims

John Travolta has found himself embroiled in a bitter lawsuit over allegations that he tried to have sex with a male masseur during a therapy session in the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The Hollywood actor is facing legal action over alleged sexual battery and assault by a man identified in court documents as John Doe.

According to the court papers, the Grease and Face Off star allegedly touched the unidentified therapist's genitals during a $200 (£123)-per-hour massage.

The 58-year-old Hollywood actor apparently stripped naked and appeared aroused before the massage. The plaintiff claims Travolta tried to remove the towel covering his backside and touched the therapist's penis. The alleged offence took place on 16 January.

The lawsuit, filed at the US District Court of Central California, claims that Travolta, who has been married to Kelly Preston for 21 years and who has repeatedly denied being gay, then masturbated.

A spokesman for Travolta branded the claims as malicious and baseless.

"John intends to get this case thrown out," he said. "Then he will sue the attorney and plaintiff for malicious prosecution."

Adding that the actor was not in California on the date of the alleged offence he said: "None of the events claimed in the suit ever occurred".

Doe said that Travolta ranted that "Hollywood is controlled by homosexual Jewish men who expect favours in return for sexual activity" and that he had done things that "would make most people throw up".

The masseur is seeking $2 million in punitive damages.