Bill Maher Isn't Laughing

Ex-Girlfriend Sues Comic For $9 Million

(AP)  Bill Maher is being sued by a woman who claims he shook her at a party and welched on promises to marry her and buy her a home in Beverly Hills.

Nancy "Coco" Johnsen, a former model and flight attendant, is seeking $9 million and other unspecified damages, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. It accuses the political comic of fraud, battery and assault.

An e-mail seeking comment from Maher wasn't immediately returned Thursday. He couldn't be located by telephone for comment.

Johnsen claims she fell in love with the HBO "Real Time" host during a 17-month relationship that began in January 2003.

According to the lawsuit, Maher convinced Johnsen to quit her career and in return promised the two would marry and have children, that he would reimburse her for clothing and other expenses necessary for her to accompany him as a "power couple," and that he would support her for the rest of her life.

He also promised to buy her the house in Beverly Hills where Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez once lived or give her money to buy a similar house, the lawsuit contends.

But after she quit her job, Johnsen said, Maher "verbally abused" her, and at a party last May he became angry and shook her, causing back and neck injuries.

She left his home and ended the relationship in May, Johnsen said.