Minnelli husband registers no-show

LIZA MINELLI made an appearance in a New York divorce court, where her lawyer complained that the entertainer’s husband, David Gest, was avoiding pre-trial examination by hiding in Hawaii.

Ms Minnelli's lawyer, Frederic Siegel, noted that Mr Gest had filed two legal actions against the star a petition for divorce and a lawsuit in which he alleged she beat him so badly that he suffered permanent injuries.

"Either he should come here and be deposed or withdraw his actions," Mr Siegel said. "There is no reason for him not to be here."

Mr Siegel said that since Mr Gest was claiming to be disabled, he should submit to a medical exam. Mr Gest's lawyer, Raoul Felder, said his client was in Hawaii undergoing physical therapy and was recuperating from Ms Minnelli's frequent assaults. "The problem is he can't fly," Mr Felder told the court.

Ms Minnelli is also suing Mr Gest, claiming he stole money from her. State Supreme Court Justice John Stackhouse said that after Minnelli signed some forms, she could leave or stay as she wished.

Ms Minnelli, 57, refused to comment as she departed.

Ms Minnelli and Mr Gest married on March 16, 2002, at a celebrity-studded ceremony which featured best man Michael Jackson carrying the bride's train and Elizabeth Taylor serving as maid of honour.

After a conference in chambers, the judge said a prenuptial agreement the couple signed about a week before they married would control the division of assets.