TV & VIDEO - Nov. 16, 1988

A Brooklyn stripper said Tuesday she is filing a $40-million damage suit against shock TV host Morton Downey Jr. for allegedly humiliating and degrading her when she appeared on his television show. An attorney for Kellie Everts, Jack Solerwitz, said at a news conference in Mineola, N.Y., that Downey physically assaulted and maliciously defamed her--calling her “a hooker, a pig, a slut, a tramp . . . (that) has diseases”--as the show’s live audience cheered him on. “I am an ordained minister who has taken a vow of celibacy, and I am very well known for stripping for God,” Everts said in defending her character. She also alleged Downey used his “pelvic area” to “body slam” her on three separate occasions during the show. Downey could not be reached for comment on the planned suit. Another stripper who appeared on the program is considering filing a separate damage suit against Downey in a New Jersey court.