LOS ANGELES (CN) - The host of "Flipping Out," a "reality" TV show about Jeff Lewis' career buying L.A. homes, fixing them up and flipping them, tried to threaten homeowners into selling Lewis a cheap easement to accommodate the big deck Lewis had built on his investment home, the homeowners say in Superior Court.
Plaintiffs Terence Beesley and Ashley Jensen say Lewis and co-host Ryan Brown built the deck, then offered them $10,000 for an easement.
When they refused and demanded $100,000, Lewis allegedly told them to accept $30,000 or face public humiliation on "Flipping Out."
Lewis allegedly threatened to expose the plaintiffs' address on the air, and said he would move into the neighboring house himself, to "make plaintiffs' lives miserable." Since the incident, the plaintiffs say, Lewis has repeatedly blasted music and beamed bright lights at their house.
Lewis' alleged behavior matches his on-screen persona, the plaintiffs say. According to the complaint, "a key element of the television show involves documenting the rude, outrageous, boorish, offensive, mean-spirited bullying by Jeff Lewis of anyone or any thing in his way. His 'foil' is supposedly the even-keeled Ryan Brown."
Beesley and Jensen demand damages and a restraining order against Lewis, Brown, and their company, Vicious Investments.
Plaintiffs are represented by Sara Wang with David Fu & Associates.
Read the Top 8
Sign up for the Top 8, a roundup of the day's top stories delivered directly to your inbox Monday through Friday.
Additional Reads
-
Contractor Says Spike TV Defamed Him March 24, 2015 -