Producer sues Casey Affleck for harassment

LOS ANGELES, July 24 (UPI) -- Movie producer Amanda White is suing actor Casey Affleck in Los Angeles Superior Court for $2 million, claiming the star sexually harassed her.

In court documents filed Friday, White says she was forced to endure "uninvited and unwelcome sexual advances in the workplace" in 2009 during production of "I'm Still Here: The Lost Year of Joaquin Phoenix" and was denied her $50,000 production fee, The Hollywood Reporter said Friday.

"On one occasion, Affleck instructed a crew member to take off his pants in order to show [White] his penis, even after [White] objected," the complaint says. "Affleck repeatedly referred to women as 'cows'; he discussed his sexual exploits and those of other celebrities that he allegedly witnessed; and asked [White], after learning her age, 'Isn't it about time you get pregnant?'"

"Affleck also attempted to manipulate [White] into staying in a hotel room with him, and when she resisted, he grabbed her in a hostile manner in an effort to intimidate her into complying," the lawsuit alleges.

Affleck's attorney, Michael Plonsker, issued a statement Friday announcing Affleck's intention to countersue.

"The allegations brought upon our clients are preposterous and without merit. Ms. White was terminated from the production over a year ago. She and her lawyers believe that this maliciously and erroneously filed complaint will cause the producers to succumb to her outrageous and baseless demands. She is mistaken. The complaint will be vigorously defended and cross-claims will be filed against her," Plonsker said.

"I'm Still Here" is set for release this September.