Celebrity Lawsuit Roundup: September 18, 2012

Celebrities are generally separated from the rest of society by their wealth and fame. However, there are some problems that celebrities simply cannot escape. Even the most beloved celebrities face a wide variety of lawsuits and legal problems. Here’s the round up of this week’s celebrity legal issues.

Recently filed lawsuits

American Express has sued hip-hop producer Sean Garrett, who has worked with superstars Beyonce and Usher, for failure to pay his credit card bill. The company alleges that Garrett owes more than $100,000 in unpaid credit card bills. The producer is also the target of legal action in Georgia, where a lien has been filed against him for the collection of unpaid income taxes.

Jasmine Guy, star of “A Different World,” filed documents with the superior court in Los Angeles County alleging that her ex-husband owes more than $40,000 in child support payments. Guy’s lawyers told the courts that the star’s ex-husband, Terrence Mitchell Duckett, hasn’t paid child support since 2010.

NBA star Jason Kidd’s legal troubles continued as he made an appearance in court this week in New York in connection with a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge. Kidd previously entered a plea of not guilty in the case. His lawyers have vowed to fight the charges.

Recently settled lawsuits

Graham Elliot, star of the show “MasterChef,” has settled a lawsuit filed by 14 ex-employees of his eponymously named Chicago restaurant. The waiters involved in the suit alleged that Elliot unfairly pooled and distributed their tips. Eliot was able to avoid a prolonged legal battle by settling the suit outside of court.

The Georgia Department of Human Services has secured a ruling that holds boxer Evander Holyfield in contempt of court for failing to pay over $550,000 in child support. The court has ordered Holyfield to make all back payments for his daughter Emani, who is currently 18.