[CrimsonTide4]

Martin Lawrence Accused of Hitting Woman
Associated Press
February 24, 2004

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A woman sued comedian Martin Lawrence for allegedly hitting her in the jaw at a party after she asked him if he'd be interested in attending another party at the Playboy mansion.

Jennifer Palmer sued Monday in Superior Court seeking more than $25,000 for assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Lawrence's publicist, Arnold Robinson, said the accusations are false and ``financially motivated.''

The lawsuit alleges Palmer approached Lawrence at a Jan. 18 party and told him about another party she knew was happening at the Playboy mansion. Lawrence responded by ``wildly waving his hands around, slurring and mumbling in a manner suggesting that he was intoxicated or otherwise disoriented, using very foul language,'' the lawsuit said.

When he heard Palmer telling friends about his behavior, he allegedly confronted her ``in an angry and threatening manner,'' the lawsuit said. Palmer tried to push him away and he allegedly struck her in the jaw.

Witnesses contacted by Lawrence's representatives told a different story, Robinson said.

``An intoxicated and disorderly individual verbally insulted and physically attacked Lawrence without provocation, at which time Lawrence understandably moved to defend himself,'' Robinson said in a statement.

A hearing in the case was scheduled for June 7.