Current TV files Olbermann complaint

LOS ANGELES, April 7 (UPI) -- Current TV has filed a cross-complaint against Keith Olbermann, who the network says it fired for failing to show up to work, among other offenses.

In the complaint filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the cable channel calls the television personality's lawsuit -- filed Thursday -- "frivolous" and "riddled with falsehoods," The Hollywood Reporter said Friday.

The court filing said Olbermann was fired March 29 because, in January and February alone, he was absent 19 of 41 work days. Current TV also said Olbermann leaked details of his contract in breach of confidentiality and failed to promote the network.

"In particular, Current seeks a determination that it is no longer obligated to pay a dime to Mr. Olbermann who, having already been paid handsomely for showing up sporadically and utterly failing to keep his end of the bargain, now seeks to be paid tens of millions more for not working at all," the complaint states.

Olbermann said he was fired without cause and is demanding between $50 million and $70 million in damages.

"This action is necessary as Current has repeatedly and willfully breached its written agreement with Olbermann, often continuing to do so after receiving specific notices to cure such breaches," The Hollywood Reporter reported Olbermann's complaint said.