Split decision in Aaron Spelling lawsuit

Judge tosses defamation claim made by ‘90210’ producer against nurse

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updated 10:17 a.m. ET April 18, 2006

LOS ANGELES - A judge has dismissed the defamation portion of a lawsuit filed by Aaron Spelling against his former nurse, but allowed the TV producer to pursue a breach-of-contract accusation.

Spelling, 82, and his wife in November sued the nurse, Charlene Richards, and her attorney for $5 million for allegedly violating a confidentiality agreement and spreading rumors that Spelling sexually harassed her.

Richards, 56, later filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the producer that alleged he asked her to have sex with him and “dress like a hooker.”

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Richards and her attorney sent letters to more than 600 actresses as well as their agents and managers, inquiring whether Spelling had sexually harassed them. Spelling argued that the letter titled, “Survey on sexual harassment by Aaron Spelling,” defamed him.

Superior Court Judge William Highberger ruled Monday that Richards was within her right to pursue litigation when she sent the letter. Highberger, however, dismissed the defamation portion of Spelling’s lawsuit.

Lawyers for Spelling and Richards said they planned to appeal the judge’s decision.

Richards signed a confidentiality agreement when she began working as a home nurse for Spelling in November 2004. She was fired in April 2005.

Spelling’s TV hits include “Charlie’s Angels,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Dynasty” and “Fantasy Island.”