Elton John calls sexual harassment lawsuit brought by former security guard 'patently untrue'

Sir Elton's lawyer said the lawsuit was brought by a 'disgruntled' former employee 'seeking to extract payment'

Elton John (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Sir Elton John has responded to a “baseless” sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him by a former security guard.

Jeffrey Wenninger, who worked for Sir Elton from 2002 to 2014, is suing him for alleged sexual harassment, battery and sexual battery.

The suit claims there was “unwelcome touching” on “many” occasions.

A statement issued by Orin Snyder, the US attorney for Sir Elton's Rocket Entertainment Group, said: “This baseless lawsuit is brought by a disgruntled former security officer seeking to extract an undeserved payment.

"These claims are patently untrue and contradicted by numerous previous statements made by this plaintiff. We will not give into his latest abuse of the legal system.”

Sir Elton has been married to David Furish since 2014. He is a prominent campaigner for LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.