Bill Maher Fights Back

Bill Maher has responded to a palimony lawsuit from an ex-girlfriend through the courts. Last month Maher's ex-girlfriend Coco Johnson sued him after their 10-month relationship went kaput. Johnson claims she quit her job as a flight attendant and sometime-model because she claims Maher promised to marry her, father her children, and take care of her. She also claims Maher threatened and abused her as their relationship went downhill. She is seeking a mere $9 million for her pain and suffering.

Maher filed his own papers on November 23 in Los Angeles Superior Court stating that he is a "confirmed bachelor" who "never promised to marry [Johnson] or to have children with her." Maher also claims that he is another one of Johnson’s victims and "easy-money marks." Maher cited one scheme in which Johnson falsely accused one of her former flings of rape and kidnapping in 1997. A judge ultimately threw out the charges because of lack of evidence. The man accused, Anwar Zayden, had to spend two weeks in jail and says his reputation was "seriously damaged."

In Maher’s court papers, he contends that he is going through the same thing. According to his papers, "When the dating ended, [Johnson] launched a campaign to embarrass, humiliate, and extort ridiculous sums of money from Bill Maher." The papers also say Maher "never supported her financially, and he never promised to support her or to purchase any house for her." He also slams reports of any abuse or racial slurs. It seems Coco may be quite the little extortionist.