Feb 26, 2009, 11:15 GMT
Morgan Freeman was drunk when he crashed his car, his passenger has claimed.
US actor Morgan Freeman. Demaris Meyer is suing the 'Driving Miss Daisy' actor for negligence following the crash on August 3 last year, and has strenuously denied claims she was his mistress. EPA/Ron Sachs
Demaris Meyer is suing the 'Driving Miss Daisy' actor for negligence following the crash on August 3 last year, and has strenuously denied claims she was his mistress.
In legal papers, it states she is demanding compensation greater than $75,000.
The lawsuit, filed in Mississippi, states Freeman was drinking throughout the course of the dinner they had together on the night of the accident.
Documents also claim Meyer later met Freeman at a friend's house where he had "at least one more drink".
It is alleged Freeman invited her back to his property, telling Meyer she could stay in her own house - referring to the three homes situated on his estate.
Meyer, 48, added yesterday (25.02.09): "I have been labelled as the other woman and have been accused of causing the break-up of Mr. Freeman's marriage.
"Nothing could be further from the truth. I am not 'Miss Daisy' as I have been referred to in the press. I was not and never have been his mistress, nor was I the cause of his marital break-up."
Freeman and his wife of 24 years, Myrna Colley-Lee, announced they were divorcing days after the crash.
The couple had been separated since 2007.
The car accident occurred during Freeman's 40 mile drive between his friend Bill Luckett's house and his own property. The car was flipped over in the accident and Meyer says she suffered life-changing injuries.
She added: "The accident and its aftermath has literally changed my life in every respect. I have not been able to go back to work and still am suffering both physically and emotionally as a result of the accident."
Meyer says she suffered a broken left wrist and right scapula, a torn labrum in her right shoulder and numerous bruises and lacerations in the accident.
The lawsuit damages are to cover: "Medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, permanent disability (short term memory loss) and additional damages."
A spokesperson for Freeman said the 71-year-old star is confident the matter will be resolved.
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