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Wayne Newton's Pet Monkey Is Accused Of 'Viciously' Attacking Girl At His Las Vegas Home
Jocelyne Urena says the monkey attacked her daughter "without provocation" at Casa de Shenandoah.
A Nevada woman is claiming her daughter was “viciously attacked” by Wayne Newton’s pet monkey.
Jocelyne Urena filed a lawsuit on behalf of her daughter Genevieve in the Clark County District Court on Aug. 7, according to The Las Vegas Review-Journal. The family claims Genevieve encountered the pet monkey on Oct. 17, 2017, after being invited to tour the entertainer’s home, known as Casa de Shenandoah.
“Without any provocation, the monkey viciously attacked and bit Ms. Urena, causing injury to her body as well as emotional distress,” it states.
The suit alleges the girl suffered more than $15,000 in damages after the attack. The family is now suing Newton for negligence.
The 77-year-old “Danke Schoen” singer has not yet commented on the allegations.
Newton once discussed the close bond he had with his capuchin monkey named “Boo” with the Las Vegas Sun.
“This little guy is my best friend,” Newton said in the 2015 article as the monkey playfully climbed on the singer and grabbed his collar.
It’s not clear whether “Boo” is the monkey referred to in the lawsuit or whether another primate stands accused of the attack.
During Newton’s time at the ranch, Boo was just one of many animals who resided at the sprawling Casa de Shenandoah. The ranch estate was also home to Arabian horses, peacocks, and wallabies.
“Shenandoah is a magical place; I really believe that,” Newton told the Las Vegas Sun. “You ask, what got me through difficult times in my life? The animals. The horses. Being with them has calmed me, and they belong here.”
This year, Newton is celebrating his 60th year as a Las Vegas performer.
