Hillsborough: 'Idol' entrant sued for tossing glass

TAMPA - At first, he just wanted to put the incident behind him and let the physical wound heal.

But Wisam M. Hadad, 28, has decided to sue former American Idol finalist Jessica Sierra, who authorities say threw a cocktail glass at his forehead and left a gash.

Hadad also is suing the Hyde Park Cafe, where the incident happened, and its owner, Thomas Ortiz.

"We're concerned that some of the long-term impacts may affect his ability to provide for his family, " said Matthew S. Przybycin, the attorney representing Hadad. Married late last year, Hadad owns Florida Merchant Solutions, a credit card processing business.

Przybycin said Hadad is concerned about the mental and physical damage he suffered because of his April 29 encounter with Sierra. In the lawsuit, Przybycin wrote that Hyde Park Cafe's management had an obligation to provide a safe environment and that the bar's employees "knew or should have known of Sierra's disruptive and aggressive behavior at the club."

Przybycin wouldn't comment on whether Sierra was a regular at the bar. He said they filed the lawsuit quickly - three days after the incident - to keep the managers there from destroying any surveillance footage that could be used as evidence.

Sierra's attorney, John Fitzgibbons, said Friday that he had not seen the lawsuit and could not comment.

Hadad said he had never met Sierra, who grew up in Tampa and finished in 10th place on American Idol in 2005. Nor does he watch the show, he said.

Sierra told police the incident was a case of mistaken identity. When she launched the glass at Hadad, she thought he was someone who had spit in her face.

She was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of cocaine and introduction of contraband into a detention facility.

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by PTM	05/15/07 02:52 PM
There is a site dedicated to this case and it has the complaint filed by Dennis Hernandez and Associates that goes in to detail all the civil charges, it is jessicasierra.info

by by lawyer	05/08/07 10:09 PM
What is wrong with the law firm of Dennis Hernandez & Associates or any other lawyer handling the case of for damages in a significant personal injury matter for someone hurt by the reckless acts of someone and the club that should provide security?

by Lori	05/06/07 12:09 AM
I would get a lawyer and sue them both two. Best of luck to you! You will win hands down. And the drug's weren't her's right just hanging on to them for some one. Get real a lier there! And to hit who ever she was going to she hit the wrong guy!! SUE

by Huh??	05/05/07 11:34 PM
lindsay, "attacked"? are you serious?? Out having fun? bet you'd have a different tune if that "fun guy" ever tried to hit on you in a bar... or was across the aisle from you on a long flight!

by lou	05/05/07 09:53 PM
lets see the word wimp comes to mind

by RG	05/05/07 07:13 PM
Sad for Sierra, Even sadder for Hadad. He forgot to sue the manufacturer of the glass for making a defective product. I guess he thinks this lawsuit will help him with "his ability to provide with his family" Good luck with that.

by jack	05/05/07 06:29 PM
get over it, as you all know it a sue happy world and why not, well your just wasting your time cause what are you gonna get from her nothing, and the clubs owner well what did they do ? they cant read peoples minds so chaulk it up as a learning tool

by Lanie	05/05/07 05:04 PM
Just another case of sue or be sued. It is ridiculous. She did take it to an extreme, however his need to sue everyone that was within 2 ft. away is obsurd.

by Lindsay	05/05/07 03:59 PM
He was out having fun and was attacked by a drug user/criminal. I wowuld sue too. If "long term impacts" is the legal-ese that holds her accountable, so be it.

by Mike	05/05/07 01:12 PM
If she is guilty then she has to pay. So let the chips fall.

by jack s	05/05/07 12:40 PM
Two typical examples of our sick and getting sicker society. 1) out of control, ego tripping celeb denying responsibility for her abusive conduct "the drugs arnt mine" 2) "victim" lying about injury's extent to collect unjustified compensation.

by Bill	05/05/07 11:31 AM
I think you may have to look a little at the attorneys that prey on these people who just experiance life and make a suit out of it. It may not be right that someone throws a glass at you, but to sue over it unless cause blindness is just STUPID!!

by Fred	05/05/07 11:23 AM
Loser hits loser in head with glass. Loser hires loser attorney to sue loser. What a world we live in. The 3 of them belong together. I can't beleive that this paper thinks this is news. Why not report on all of the other worthless lawsuits.

by captn obvious	05/05/07 11:13 AM
good, I'm glad HPC and the former Idol contestant are getting sued. Maybe HPC will start being more picky about their clientel. Too many wannabe rockstars up in that place.

by Diane	05/05/07 10:03 AM
My God, man, get a crash helmet. Was there brain damage? What a money grubber. A little cut on his head and he's traumitized?! Try having a knife to your throat, buddy, that's trauma! Get on with your life loser!

by sherrie	05/05/07 09:27 AM
What a jerk - it was a dumb bar incident - i hope he looses big time, then his reputation will be ruined instead of just having a boo boo.

by Mike	05/05/07 09:24 AM
Maybe she thought he was a terrorist and decided to become a Jack Bauer clone. The guy is just suing so he can have the money to revamp his Shell gas station.

by Kim	05/05/07 09:24 AM
This is a guy who said he did not want any attention in a past artical. It is really sad that when anything happends to us even the smallest thing it gives us a reason to sue! More tax money gone!!

by Sharon	05/05/07 09:02 AM
Eveyone is just so "sue" happy.Yes she should be punished for what she did, but to sue her and the owner of the place. Come on, get a job, don't rely on suing people to make a living.

by bam	05/05/07 08:24 AM
She doesn't have money... She's an adult(not parents responsibility.), struggling artist who got exploited by Idol. Shes not complaining. You think Idol gives them money for being a loser? She doesn't have a dime. Better luck on the case against HPC.

by Victoria	05/05/07 08:03 AM
Of course he's gonna sue. Doesn't everyone once they see they can get a windfall?

by Diane	05/05/07 07:41 AM
The victim wanted to put the whole incident behind him until he realized that any Idol = $$$. (REAL ladies don't even consider the actions she took.)

by Michael	05/05/07 06:59 AM
"were concerned that some of the long-term impacts may affect his ability to provide for his family," said Matthew S. Przybycin, the attorney. I dont care about her getting sued, heck, execute her, but come on now, "long term effects? your kidding!