If a former associate has his way, Gene Simmons could be wagging his tongue in court.
A Los Angeles businessman is suing the KISS demon for fraud and slander, accusing Simmons of cutting him out of a marketing deal that the latter signed with the Indy Racing League.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of Allan Brown, claims the plaintiff played a key role in negotiating the agreement between the Family Jewels star and two business partners with the IRL. But when Brown took a personal holiday, the trio not only removed him from any involvement but also depicted him to racing officials in a negative light, as "lazy" and "rich," thereby harming his good name.
Simmons, who cofounded and plays bass for the legendary rock band, went on to appear in a series of promos for IndyCar racing in 2006 and cowrote a signature song, "I Am Indy," as part of the lucrative marketing venture.
Brown's complaint seeks unspecified damages from the musician-turned-entrepreneur.
Simmons' lawyer was unavailable for comment.
KISS' fire-breathing crooner is currently in the midst of filming the fourth season of his hit A&E reality series, Gene Simmons: Family Jewels. His nonfiction book Ladies of the Night, about the history of prostitution, was just published as well.
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