NEW YORK (Liza Minelli Fans Website) - Oscar-winning singer-actress Liza Minnelli has filed a $250,000 counterclaim against a former driver and bodyguard in response to his reported allegations that she frequently beat him, reported yesterday.

The 58-year-old Minnelli, who also has been accused by estranged husband David Gest of assault, accuses M'Hammed Soumayah of breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. Her court papers ask for a declaratory judgment and an injunction - without elaborating on either point - and relief of "no less than $250,000."

The New York Post reported last month that Soumayah had sued Minnelli, alleging she had physically attacked him during alcohol-fueled tirades. The Post said his lawsuit seeks "money damages arising from personal injuries."

Gest said in a statement Oct. 4 he wasn't surprised by Soumayah's lawsuit, "as I witnessed Mr. Soumayah being beaten by Ms. Minnelli on many, many occasions." Soumayah's lawyer, Harvey Mars, refused to comment.
Liza Minnelli can be seen in the Emmy-winning Fox comedy 'Arrested Development,' which airs at 8:30 p.m. Sundays.