The case of John Travolta and his alleged inappropriate behavior during massages has taken a bizarre new twist. Okorie Okorocha, the former attorney for the masseurs who claim that the "Pulp Fiction" actor had assaulted and sexually battered them during massage sessions in January, filed a lawsuit against Gloria Allred on Monday, alleging that she illegally stole John Doe #2 away from him as a client.
Also read: John Travolta's Massage Accuser #1 Is Back -- With Gloria Allred
The lawsuit states that Okorocha parted ways with John Doe #1 earlier this month because of a possible conflict of interest between that client and Travolta's other accuser, named as John Doe #2 in the complaint. According to Okorocha, he told John Doe #1 that "it was in his best interest to find another lawyer" -- after which he retained Allred.
According to the lawsuit filed Monday, Allred then wooed John Doe #2 away from Okorocha, in violation of the law.
Also read: John Travolta Massage Lawsuit: Second Accuser Drops His Case, But Retains Gloria Allred
Okorocha claims that John Doe #2 told him that Allred had approached him with an offer to represent him as well.
The lawsuit alleges that Allred "illegally, unethically and in violation of California Rules of Professional Conduct," which states, "While representing a client, a member [of the State Bar of California] shall not communicate directly or indirectly about the subject of the representation with a party the member knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the member has the consent of the other lawyer."
The suit claims that Allred sent him a letter denying that she had solicited John Doe #2 as a client, writing, "I do not even know who John Doe #2 is and I have had no communication with that person. I strongly advise you not to make false statements about me."
Allred has vowed to file her own lawsuit in response to Okorocha's complaint.
"Mr. Okorocha's lawsuit will be met with a counterclaim for defamation," Allred said in a statement provided to TheWrap. "The facts are the facts. Doe #1 and Doe #2 contacted me seeking representation, and we have the evidence to prove it. Mr. Okorocha's lawsuit will be dismissed, and we will ultimately recover a judgment against him."
Okorocha told TheWrap that he's unswayed by Allred's threat to counter-sue.
"Tell her to bring it on!!!" Okorocha told TheWrap. "I will show her one thing she has not seen in a long time, which is a court room. I will show her what real lawyers do."
Alleging intentional interference with contractual relations, intentional interference with prospective economic relations, and unfair business practices, the suit is seeking unspecified damages and attorneys' fees.
John Doe #1 accused Travolta of groping him during a Jan. 16 massage session at the Beverly Hills Hotel. John Doe #2 made similar claims about a Jan. 28 massage session at an Atlanta resort.
Their complaint against Travolta sought $2 million from the actor, but both plaintiffs moved to dismiss the complaint before retaining Allred. The complaint was dismissed without prejudice, meaning that they may refile.
Travolta's attorney, Martin Singer, has vehemently denied the accusations of both men, and photographic evidence and a restaurant receipt published online have placed Travolta in New York on the day of the alleged Beverly Hills incident.