HOLLYWOOD - James Bond star Sean Connery has been slapped with a $30 million lawsuit from a New York neighbor, who accuses him of using bully tactics to oust him from the townhouse they share. Dr. Burton Sultan, an ophthalmologist, lives with his wife and daughters on
the lower four floors of a six-story Tudor townhouse on Manhattan's East Side.
Connery and his wife live on the top two floors.
Court papers claim renovations the Connery's are carrying out, which began in
September 2001, are a source of constant noise, foul fumes, water leaks and a
rat infestation. The lawsuit claims damage to the Sultans' home extended to
their collection of Victorian and early 20th century wicker furniture.
The court papers say "Notwithstanding the cinematic James Bond image of
consummate finesse, the defendant Connery, in true Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde fashion,
acts the part in real life of a bully who ignores norms of neighborliness and
decency."
The lawsuit also claims Connery is harassing the Sultans "by playing loud
music at all hours" and "stomping about".
On April 7, 2002, one of the Sultans' daughters allegedly knocked on
Connery's door and requested quiet.
The court papers state, "Connery's appearance and behavior was that of a
rude, foul-mouthed, fat old man. Cursing and otherwise using indecent language
Connery demeaned Marla's father, refused to lower the noise and slammed the
door in her face."
The court papers say the Connerys also owe $15,747 in maintenance
and utility payments--another ploy "to harass the Sultans" out of their home.
The lawsuit includes a letter, purportedly from the Connerys' lawyer, Robert
P. Lynn Jr., stating, "I think if we tie him up in several lawsuits, hopefully
this will either permanently subdue him or drive him out of the building."
A spokesman for the actor has hit back at the claims, arguing the couple are
"rarely" at the New York home.
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