Online

Melissa Midwest Seeks Monetary Damages

By: SM Gelerman

Posted: 01/10/2007

Online adult performer Melissa Harrington, aka Melissa Midwest, has filed a tort claim against Nebraska State Claims Board seeking $75,000 in damages for “lost business opportunities.”

In August, Harrington was arrested on a public indecency charge after she removed her shirt during a wet T-shirt contest. Harrington said her nipples and areolas were covered with paint.

Since that time, police have used her photo on “hospitality training course” sheets—directives given by police to local area bars explaining what behavior is acceptable and not acceptable, Harrington told AVNOnline.com. Harrington’s photo has been shown to bar owners as “who to avoid,” she said.

Harrington also said the police are telling bar owners she’s dishonest. “It was explained to me that the bars were told not to work with [me] because I will make lots of money off them.”

Because of the police warnings, Harrington’s appearance income at Lincoln bars has plummeted, she said. To eradicate the problem, Harrington filed a tort claim against Lincoln to collect monetary damages. “This is America, enough is enough already,” Harrington remarked.

Under Nebraska law, in order to collect damages against any political subdivision such as a city, the claimant must first submit a claim requesting payment. If the claim is denied, then the aggrieved party can file a lawsuit.