EMTs at U.S. Baghdad Embassy Say|a Drunk CNN Reporter Bit Them

MANHATTAN (CN) - Two medical workers at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad claim in court that a CNN correspondent with "a history of becoming intoxicated and then abusive" bit them on Embassy grounds in Baghdad.

Charles Simons and Tracy Lamar sued CNN and its correspondent Arwa Damon on Monday in New York County Supreme Court.

They claim that Damon, a "senior international correspondent" for CNN, bit them on Embassy grounds on July 19.

"But for Damon's position with CNN, she would not have been permitted on the US Embassy grounds," Simons and Lamar say in the lawsuit.

They claim that Damon was drunk when she bit them.

They claim that "Damon has a history of becoming intoxicated and then abusive."

"In fact, defendant Damon has a history of and penchant for violence even when sober."

Simons and Lamar claim that CNN knew this when it hired Damon and assigned her to report from the Middle East.

They claim that on July 19, Damon was "seriously intoxicated" and "became unruly and violent."

On that day, Simons and Lamar say in the lawsuit, Damon bit them while they were working as EMTs and paramedics.

"Defendant Damon then threatened plaintiffs, who were providing medical assistance, and stated she was a major reporter for CNN," the complaint states.

"Plaintiffs attempted to transport Damon to the clinic.

"While in the process of trying to treat Damon, Damon then attacked plaintiffs."

Simons claims Damon bit him on his left forearm, and injured an elbow and knee.

Lamar claims Damon hit her on her left forearm too, and bruised other parts of her body.

Both plaintiffs demand punitive damages of less than $1 million for "outrageous conduct."

They are represented by David Jaroslawicz, with Jaroslawicz & Jaros.

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