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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

William Shatner Accused of Harassing Handyman

LOS ANGELES (CN) - William Shatner's former handyman claims in court that he was harassed and fired after refusing to sign a release for an on-the-job injury.

Click here to check out Courthouse News' Entertainment Law Digest.

Oscar Alfaro and his wife, Delmy, sued Shatner and his wife, Elizabeth, for wrongful termination in Superior Court.

"Prior to termination, plaintiffs had been employed by defendants for 20 years," according to the four-page lawsuit. "Subsequent to that filing, defendants and each of them began a pattern and practice of discrimination and harassment against plaintiff Oscar Alfaro in retaliation for refusing to sign a release for an injury he sustained on the premises at 3674 Berry Drive, Studio City. Plaintiff Oscar was harassed and berated after his refusal to sign a release for all claims.

"Defendants and each of them retaliated against plaintiff Oscar and his wife Delmy," the lawsuit adds.

Alfaro's attorney, Victor Jacobovitz, told Courthouse News that his client worked as a handyman for Shatner, and that Delmy Alfaro was the couple's housekeeper.

Alfaro injured his back after slipping on a wet driveway, according to Jacobovitz. He said Shatner offered to pay Alfaro an amount that did not cover the cost of his medical bills.

"What Mr. Shatner did, in my opinion, is against public policy, and I believe that we may need a court ruling or jury verdict to determine what was proper under the circumstances," Jacobovitz said in an interview.

Shatner, 81, is best known for his role as Capt. James T. Kirk in the science-fiction TV series "Star Trek." He was also the lead in "T.J. Hooker," and played attorney Denny Crane in the legal drama "The Practice" and its spin-off, "Boston Legal."

The Alfaros seek unspecified general, special and exemplary damages from the Shatners and 50 unnamed defendants.

Shatner's representatives did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.

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