Man files suit against TV network, Bristol Palin

Bristol Palin attends the Candie's Foundation 2011 event to prevent benefit gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 3, 2011 in New York City. / Andy Kropa/Getty Images

(AP) LOS ANGELES - A Los Angeles man is suing the Lifetime Network and Sarah Palin's daughter, Bristol, claiming he was taped heckling her for a planned reality show without his knowledge or consent.

Stephen Hanks filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday seeking general and punitive damages, saying he's a victim of defamation and invasion of privacy after video aired of their confrontation at a West Hollywood bar in September.

Hanks says he wasn't told the film crew was shooting footage for the show "Bristol Palin: Life's a Tripp."

In an expletive-laden tirade, Hanks insults Bristol's mother and calls the 21-year-old "white trash from Wasilla."

Hanks says Palin called him a homosexual and defamed him in a magazine.

Lifetime declined comment on the case.

The show is set to air Tuesday at 10 p.m. EDT.

[JV1970]

I watched the show and if the idiot had kept his big mouth shut they wouldn't have videoed him! The guy was out of line all the way and I'm surprised that someone didn't stick their fist in his mouth!

I don't think Bristol or the Palin family have anything to worry about with this lawsuit. All the judge will need to do is view the video. It's very clear who was at fault and it was NOT Bristol or any of her companions.

I'm going to repeat what I wrote on another website. Someone should have either grabbed him by the back of neck and the seat of his pants and bounced him right out the door or called the police and had him arrested for disturbing the peace or public drunkeness!

A night in the drunk tank in the local police station might have done him good!

[JV1970]

I also don't know how the guy didn't know that they were videoing him unless he was so drunk he was blind! I think that what the judge will say too!

[stormerF69]

Another real good reason we need a loser pays law here as in Canada to do away with these frivilous law suits.And stop these idiots from bringing them.

[smittyc]

He should really sue himself. He is the one that made an idjut of himself. Nobody forced him to carry on like that in public. He is just mad cause he got caught making a fool of himself and everyone who sees his antics is laughing their heads off. I can just imagine the judge reviewing the evidence(video), he will probably call a recess till he can stop laughing.

[johngalt_as]

I think they are all goofy. If you tell someone they are on camera or you put a camera in front of someone it isn't really reality, now is it?

The fruitloop who's suing is only angry because he looks like a shrill little freak and his outburst was probably good for her ratings.

This is why reality TV is for brain dead idiots. If you find yourself drawn to this stuff you have already been dumbed down to the point of being a mind numbed zombie. Hey I'm just sayin', truth hurts doesn't it. Get off your azz and do something.

[SD92040]

This jerk really ragged on her and her family. It looked like he was upset because the Palin family doesn't embrace the gay lifestyle. She schooled him bad....

[MaryD-V]

Lifetime eh. Maybe Bristol Palin needs to forget reality shows and get a real job flipping burgers.

[stormerF69]

No your job is too important to you honey.

[danny1728]

So here is this guy, standing in front of a tv personality, cussing her and making all sorts of comments about her family, and with tv cameras and personnel standing there and he was "unaware" he was being filmed? Maybe he is also unaware just how stupid he sounds. And yes, he may have said the same thing I think about her family, but I didnt say it there, and wont say it here, especially in front of a camera.

[1notrub11]

I saw the video earlier today. I cannot believe this guy has a case. Regardless, it looked like he started the discussion....turn about is fair play.

I'm no fan of the people involved, but he was out of line.