Katie Holmes sues Star for $50M

NEW YORK, March 1 (UPI) -- Katie Holmes's lawyer says he has filed a $50 million libel lawsuit against the U.S. tabloid Star for allegedly implying the actress abuses drugs.

The publication's cover bears the headline "Addiction Nightmare -- Katie Drug Shocker -- The Real Reason She Can't Leave Tom." However, E! News reported Tuesday the article inside doesn't explicitly mention actual drug use and instead discusses a Scientology practice Holmes allegedly uses that supposedly gives a drug-like effect.

"Star magazine's malicious claims about Katie are untrue, unethical and unlawful," Bert Fields, a lawyer for Holmes and her husband, actor Tom Cruise, told E! News.

"Not only do they cruelly defame Katie, they play a cheap trick on the public, making ridiculously false claims on the cover unsupported by anything inside. Someone should bring a class action (suit) to get all buyers their money back."

The tabloid's publishers said they have not yet been served with papers regarding the lawsuit and are standing by the story.

"Star fully stands behind the editorial integrity of what we have published concerning Ms. Holmes's controversial use of the Scientology 'e-meter.' The physical effect of the e-meter on its users is a matter of significant public concern and we plan to vigorously defend the suit filed by Ms. Holmes," a representative for Star told E! News.

"Our attorneys look forward to deposing Ms. Holmes about her experiences with Scientology and the e-meter, and expect that the case will be promptly dismissed by the court."