Mr. Las Vegas Wage Garnishment

By Eriq Gardner

Wayne Newton has long been a star attraction in Las Vegas. Few would ever question why MGM Grand would want to book the singer, but the hotel/casino is learning that Newton comes with a little bit of financial trouble.

For some time, Newton has been chased by a former employee, Monty Ward, for unpaid wages. Last January, a court awarded Ward more than $450,000. 

After Ward heard that MGM had booked Newton, he tried to get Newton's appearance fees garnished.

Now, MGM has filed suit against both Newton and Ward, requesting an interpleader in Clark County Court, in an attempt to escape the uncomfortable situation. MGM says its agreement with Newton's company is "putative and unsigned" and is "unsure if any or all monies earned under the Agreement will be payable directly to Wayne Newton for his services."

MGM agreed to pay Newton $33,000 for concerts in the first week of March, a week in April, a week in September, and a week in October, but Newton has already called in sick one day. If he's not directly getting any money from the concerts, it's possible he might not be too motivated to show up. In other words, we wouldn't book a trip to see Newton in Las Vegas until this is cleared up.