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| Crash victim''s family sue Brandy |
1/31/2007 |
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The family of a woman killed in a car crash involving R&B star Brandy are suing the performer for $50m (£26m).
The parents of Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, have filed the wrongful death legal action in court in Los Angeles.
The California Highway Patrol has also recommended charging the singer with misdemeanour vehicular manslaughter.
In December, Brandy hit Ms Aboudihaj''s car on a California highway. Brandy''s spokesman called it a "tragedy" but declined to comment on the legal case.
The action, filed at Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that the death was caused by the singer''s "reckless driving".
Jail threat
The California Highway Patrol has said the crash happened when 27-year-old Brandy hit the back of Ms Aboudihaj''s car when traffic suddenly slowed.
Ms Aboudihaj''s vehicle went into a third car and careered into the centre of the road, where it was hit by a fourth vehicle. The waitress died in hospital.
On Tuesday, the California Highway Patrol recommended the vehicular manslaughter charge, which carries a maximum of one year in jail and a fine of $1,000 (£500).
The Los Angeles City Attorney''s Office is now considering whether to prosecute.
Condolences
Investigators have ruled out alcohol and drugs as factors in the crash.
The singer has expressed condolences to Ms Aboudihaj''s family.
Brandy''s spokesman Allan Mayer said: "The accident was a terrible tragedy and Brandy''s heart goes out to Awatef Aboudihaj''s family. But for legal reasons we cannot comment on this lawsuit."
The singer, real name Brandy Norwood, has recorded five albums and won a Grammy in 1999. Her UK hits include What About Us and The Boy Is Mine.
She has also acted for film and television, starring in the US sitcom Moesha and most recently appeared as a judge on Simon Cowell''s America''s Got Talent.
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