Legal Battle Over Hemsley's Royalties

The 70-year-old star suffered financial difficulties in the 1990s and sold off his future residual payments from past TV roles - including his stint on hit sitcom The Jeffersons - to pay his debts.

William Little and David Pullman bought Hemsley's residual rights together, but following a dispute between the pair, Little reportedly paid his former partner $42,000 (GBP21,000) to release his claim on future payments.

Little has now filed a lawsuit against Pullman - claiming he contacted actors union the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) in April (08) asking for bosses to withhold a $10,000 (GBP5,000) payment to Little.

Little is suing for $25,000 (GBP12,500), according to TMZ.com.