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Spears Sued By Back-Up Dancer Who Claims Singer Broke Her Nose

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Britney Spears was sued Monday by a dancer who claims the singer broke her nose during a rehearsal last year.

Dawn Noel Pignuola alleges battery and negligence in the suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court against Spears and management firm Reign Deer Entertainment LLC, City News Service reports.

The dancer claims she was rehearsing for the pop star's "Work Bitch" music video on August 19 when Spears showed up appearing "unbalanced" and "disheveled."

Pignuola alleges she was standing next to Spears when the singer "twirled in the unbalanced and reckless manner, arms extended out to her sides, and forcefully backhanded" her in the face.

The dancer claims Spears apologized but rehearsal continued. Court documents state Pignuola left practice a half-hour later to receive medical care.

Spears allegedly promised to pay Pignuola's medical bills, according to the filings.

However, Pignuola claims Spears' representative told her months later she would not be reimbursed.

A spokesperson for Spears had not commented on the claims at press time.

Pignuola is seeking unspecified damages.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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