Gest and Minnelli's marriage lasted for 16 months

The lawsuit follows reports that the bodyguard, M'Hammed Soumayah, is suing the star, saying she beat him.

Minnelli is also suing her estranged husband David Gest for allegedly stealing $2m (£1.55m) from her.

The pair have also sued each other for divorce while Gest has filed a separate lawsuit alleging he was beaten by the singer.

Gest is seeking $10m (£5.3m) in damages from Minnelli, saying the beatings left him with "severe head injuries".

The couple married in March 2002, at a celebrity-packed ceremony which featured Michael Jackson as best man and Elizabeth Taylor as maid of honour.

They separated in July 2003.

Mr Soumayah's lawsuit was sealed when it was filed.

Justice Barbara Kapnick ordered it unsealed on Tuesday, but details will be made public only after Minnelli's lawyers complete their appeals.