Justin Bieber's Ex-Bodyguard: 'Star Hit Me'

Justin Bieber's former bodyguard is suing the pop superstar, claiming that he repeatedly struck him during a confrontation in October.

Moshe Benabou's lawsuit also seeks more than $420,000 (£260,000) in lost overtime and other wages.

In court documents, Mr Benabou claims Bieber berated him and repeatedly punched him in the chest after a disagreement about how to handle a member of the Grammy-nominated singer's entourage.

After he walked away the 18-year-old Canadian sacked him, Mr Benabou's lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, claims.

Mr Benabou says he was mistakenly told that he was not entitled to receive overtime despite working 14 to 18 hour days between March 2011 and October 2012.

He is seeking unspecified damages on the assault and battery claims and $421,261 for unpaid overtime, holiday and other wage benefits.

"For nearly two years Mr Benabou devoted himself completely to ensuring Mr Bieber's personal safety," Mr Benabou's attorney, Ilan Heimanson, wrote in a statement.

"Mr Benabou deserved, as does any employee, to be treated with respect, dignity and in accordance with the law. Unfortunately, he was not."

Bieber's third studio album, Believe, ranked number six in 2012 sales with more than 1.3 million sales.

His representatives have not responded to the claims.