CHILDREN'S TV STUDIO IN SEX CASE

The bosses of a U.S. film company, which produces children's TV and movies, has been struck with a sexual harassment lawsuit by a woman claiming she was "slapped on the buttocks" and asked inappropriate questions about her underwear. Mary Beth Porter, 31, worked as an independent contractor with Oak Films from August until December 2006, during which time she alleges associate producer John Yang and manager Steele Shannon created "a hostile work environment". Porter claims both men discussed oral sex in front of her, and that Yang "regularly made unwelcome, inappropriate comments and/or suggestive non-verbal signals" to her, once asking whether her pubic hair was "shaved" bare or in the shape of a "landing strip". Keith Fink, Porter's Los Angeles lawyer, says, "She has a very good case. Can you imagine this is a company that produces G-rated (for children) films?" Yang, who is set to be deposed next week (begs25Feb08), told New York gossip column PageSix, "I am innocent. This is a frivolous lawsuit and I think there are other reasons behind it. "We're a successful company with two movies in the works. I deny all of it and can't wait to go to trial." Oak Films president Joe Reilly called Porter's lawsuit a "non-incident", adding, "It's unfortunate this is the route it's taken. "She never came to me and said there were problems. There's no merit, we're going to prevail." Oak Films is responsible for the popular Grandpa's Place DVD series as well as the upcoming film The Prince And The Pauper, starring teen twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse.