Ex-Manager Files Suit Against Tae-Bo Creator in Dispute Over Commissions

Billy Blanks, the popular exercise guru from Sherman Oaks, was sued Wednesday by a former manager who says Blanks reneged on a deal involving the hit Tae-Bo infomercial and video sets.

Seth Ersoff, who represented Blanks before the infomercial began airing in August, claims Blanks failed to pay him commissions due on royalties from video sales. Ersoff has a similar case pending against Paul Monea, the Ohio-based marketer behind Tae-Bo.

Blanks’ attorney declined to comment on the suit but denied that Blanks owes Ersoff money.

Video sales for Tae-Bo--a mix of aerobics, martial arts and kick-boxing--have catapulted beyond $100 million through stores and TV offers, according to court papers.

Ersoff claims he contracted as Blanks’ manager and marketing representative in exchange for commissions of as much as 20%. But he charges that Blanks and Monea cut him out of the deal not long after.

The suit is the latest of several legal actions involving Tae-Bo. Olympic boxer Sugar Ray Leonard has sued Monea in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging that the marketer used his name without his permission.