Heidi Montag files sexual harassment claim against producer of MTV's "The Hills"

[Amerigo Vespucci]

http://www.lifeandstylemag.com/2010/04/heidi-adam.html

Life & Style can exclusively reveal that an incident at last month's photo shoot for The Hills sparked Heidi Montag's plan to sue show creator Adam DiVello (right) for alleged sexual harassment.

It happened the last weekend of March, during a cast photo shoot to promote the sixth and final season of The Hills, an insider close to Heidi tells Life & Style.

"Adam came up to her from behind and grabbed her with one hand on her stomach and one hand directly on her butt cheek," the insider claims. "Heidi had six bodyguards with her. They took his hand off her and moved him away from the situation."

Heidi refused to go ahead with the photo shoot, a move that got her labeled a diva in online reports. Heidi's husband, Spencer Pratt, issued a statement on March 29, saying Heidi "was sick and she didn't even want to go to that photo shoot."

The insider tells Life & Style that Heidi claims she'd been annoyed with DiVello for a while. "Heidi started bringing security to the set because she felt Adam was getting a little creepy. He was very touchy-feely and she insisted he wouldn't stop asking her to strip down to a bikini for scenes. Adam wasn't on set much for six seasons until Heidi got her new boobs. And now he shows up everywhere."

After the incident, the insider claims, "Heidi and Spencer e-mailed the production team and asked to talk about what happened. But after three weeks they'd gotten no response other than to say Heidi was allowed to bring only one bodyguard on set.

"Heidi's been in tears about it and really upset because she says she doesn't feel safe," the insider continues. "Heidi says she wanted to solve the issue behind closed doors but The Hills just wouldn't talk about it."

Another insider says it's been discussed on set that DiVello may use his position with the show to get close to young women, claiming, "You have to stroke his ego to get a big role on his shows."

An MTV spokesperson denied the allegations, telling Life & Style: "We have looked into this matter and the allegations made against Adam DiVello are completely false and without merit. Adam not only created The Hills and The City, launching the careers of several cast members, but has worked diligently to maintain a respectful and appropriate production environment."

In a statement released by MTV, Lauren Conrad, a former star of The Hills, says, "I am in utter shock at the allegations made against Adam DiVello. Not only are they completely absurd but they are 100% without merit. Adam is a true professional and a wonderful person to work for."

Meanwhile, co-star Lo Bosworth tweeted her take on the matter: "I'll repeat it: no one is/has ever been assaulted during filming of our show. hey spiedi, do you know the definition of slander? NOT OKAY."