US actor Tom Arnold is suing the Channel Ten network for hundreds of thousands of dollars following his appearance on the latest I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! series.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the comic has alleged that Ten, which went into voluntary administration this week, tricked him into appearing on the show this year in exchange for a comedy tour of the country that never went ahead.
Arnold is suing Ten and comedy management company, A-List Entertainment, for fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation and breach of oral contract.
"It was agreed orally and confirmed in writing that the guaranteed compensation to be paid for the two engagements — as a package — would be $425,000," Arnold's attorney, Marty Singer, wrote in the filed complaint.
"Plaintiffs agreed to the deal and blocked off Arnold's schedule in prime summer months when he typically receives his best engagements and highest compensation."
Many fans questioned Arnold's attitude during his time in the jungle and the 58-year-old has further alleged that the edits made on the show did not highlight his comedic talent.
"Network Ten ensured Arnold that its depiction of Arnold on the Program would not endanger the Australian comedy tour," Singer added.
The complaint alleges that not only has Ten failed to pay the remaining $US140,000 owed, but that they pulled out of plans to go ahead with Arnold's Australian comedy tour.
Network Ten have since issued a statement, insisting that all money owing to Arnold has been paid.
"We have fully discharged all our obligations to Tom Arnold," a Ten spokesperson said.
"And we have received no notice of any legal proceedings."
Aussie comedian and former I'm A Celeb contestant, Joel Creasey took aim at Arnold on Twitter today, prompting the actor to respond.
Tom Arnold suing Channel Ten/ I'm a Celeb is so ridiculous. It wasn't misrepresentation or fraud. It's a tough show and he was shit at it.
— Joel Creasey (@joelcreasey) June 16, 2017
So you're a lawyer? Good cause you sure as hell aren't a comedian. #JimJefferiesshow https://t.co/qvS9QCZEmC
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) June 16, 2017
The Music has contacted A-List Entertainment for comment.
The news comes after Ten's morning host, Sarah Harris, called on the government to change media laws in the wake of the network's uncertain future.
Speaking on Studio 10 (via Fairfax), Harris said, "Today we call on Bill Shorten, Pauline Hanson and the Greens to reconsider their positions and support local jobs.
"Politicians have been warned of the dire consequences if media laws aren't changed and yesterday those predictions were proven correct. It's now more important than ever that you make these changes before it's too late.
"And for all of our viewers who've been in contact, thanks for your lovely messages. But don't worry, we're not going anywhere."
Arnold acknowledged Ten's plight and its staff members earlier today on Twitter.
I feel terrible for the hard working people on the ground at Channel10. My ridiculous lawsuit should've been settled 3 months ago by bosses.
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) June 16, 2017
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