Citibank Sues Ed McMahon To Recoup Debts

The Bank Is Seeking Nearly $200,000 From The Former "Tonight Show" Sidekick

(AP)  Citibank is suing former "Tonight Show" sidekick Ed McMahon, seeking to recoup nearly $200,000 lent to the financially strapped Hollywood icon, court records show.

Citibank filed the lawsuit against McMahon in Los Angeles Superior Court on June 9, according to the documents. The bank's suit seeks at least $179,687 in damages as well as attorney's fees on debt incurred within the past four years.

McMahon, who also formerly hosted the "Star Search" television talent show, has faced mounting money problems since it was revealed earlier this month that he was $644,000 behind on payments on his Beverly Hills home. The lender, Countrywide Financial Corp., filed a default notice on the home in late February.

McMahon's publicist Howard Bragman said Friday that the McMahons had not yet been served with the lawsuit and will not comment on their personal finances.

McMahon and his wife, Pamela, went on CNN'S Larry King Live earlier this month and described a litany of financial troubles, including a poor economy and McMahon's inability to work as a pitchman since he broke his neck 18 months ago.

"If you spend more money than you make, you know what happens," McMahon told King.

A phone message left with the San Jose, California, law firm representing Citibank was not immediately returned Friday.

The Citibank lawsuit was first reported by the entertainment news Web site CelebTV.com.

[j_flood]

didn''t he just get a multi-million dollar settlement a couple of years ago?

[patriot12436]

I cannot feel sorry for someone who has made fortunes and spent it unwisely.

[blackyowe]

Poor Ed he has never been the same since Carson left and he was out of a job.

[hypnotoad72]

Telethon? Naah, he should simply fill out and return more Publishers'' Clearing House -- I mean, he might have already won ten million dollars...

[heero2020]

Let''s do a telethon.