Gest says violence not cause of break-up

According to Liza Minnelli's latest ex-husband, their breakup was caused by a tabloid article, not alleged physical abuse.

David Gest still claims that Liza beat him but it was a National Enquirer article portraying his estranged wife as an alcoholic that led to the relationship's end. Apparently she got the magazine on a Wednesday morning and on Thursday announced their marriage was over.

David Gest denies having anything to do with the tabloid report and said he might still be together with the actress, had it not been published.

He has filed two legal actions against Liza: a divorce petition and a $10m (€8m) lawsuit in which he alleges she beat him so badly that he suffered permanent injuries. Meanwhile, she has sued him, charging that he stole money from her.