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Dan Gross: Couple sues Patti LaBelle

PATTI LaBELLE'S attorney has labeled as "frivolous on its face" a suit filed in New York against the singer that seeks damages for injury and alleges that she threw water at a mother and her baby, screamed at them, and tried to punch the mother.

PATTI LaBELLE

'S attorney has labeled as "frivolous on its face" a suit filed in New York against the singer that seeks damages for injury and alleges that she threw water at a mother and her baby, screamed at them, and tried to punch the mother.

Allen Arrow, who has represented the soulful songbird for more than 40 years, says, "Unfortunately, this is another case of individuals and their attorney targeting someone who is in the public eye.

"Above all else I can say with complete certainty that she is a loving mother and a caring human being who adores children. This incident, which occurred over a year ago, began because Patti was concerned about the safety of a very young child who was left unattended. It is being handled through the courts, and we are confident that once the facts are revealed, the outcome will be in Patti's favor," Arrow said.

Kevin and Roseanna Monk filed suit in Manhattan Supreme Court accusing the Wynnewood-based recording star of screaming profanities at their daughter, Genevieve, and of trying to punch Roseanna outside a New York apartment building.

The Monks' attorney, Sam Davis, told the New York Daily News that LaBelle began yelling at the mother and her baby, then 18 months old, as the child was scampering around the lobby of an Upper West Side building where LaBelle was staying while performing in "Fela!" on Broadway. Davis told the paper that LaBelle had screamed, sprayed water from a bottle at mother and baby and then tried "to take a swing" at his client before LaBelles' entourage led her into a waiting car. The baby then vomited on her mother, the paper reports.

Here's our question: If the so-called swing missed, what is the suit over? Yelling? Water? Please.

OUT AND ABOUT * Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson and former Sen. Arlen Specter caught up yesterday while both worked out at the Sporting Club at the Bellevue. * On the eve of his signing as the new Phillies closer, Jonathan Papelbon went unrecognized while dining alone at the bar at Davio's (111 S. 17th). The former Red Sox star had a strip steak, scallops and a few beers. * Musician Amos Lee, Mayor Nutter and NBC10 meteorologist Bill Henley were among guests Monday night at a preview tasting at Vedge (1221 Locust), the new vegan restaurant by chefs Kate Jacoby and Rich Landau, who formerly operated Horizons in Willow Grove and near 7th & South. Vedge opened yesterday.

Heartbreak hotels

"Hell's Kitchen" host and chef

Gordon Ramsay

, who's been shooting "Kitchen Nightmares" in town, is teaming up with Fox on yet-another reality show. This time producers are looking for independently owned hotels that have restaurants or provide food and that want Ramsay to improve their business. Call 310-313-9100 or visit the Conlin Company.com.

Chickie's big night

Eagles running back

LeSean McCoy

and long snapper

Jon Dorenbos

, and Flyers alums

Bob Kelly

,

Brian Propp

,

Don Saleski

and

Ed Hospodar

joined

Ed Rendell

Monday in helping Chickie's & Pete's (1526 Packer) owner

Pete Ciarrocchi

celebrate his #1 Sports Bar in North America award from ESPN.com.

Also in attendance were 94WIP's Ike Reese, Howard Eskin and Big Daddy Graham; NBC10's Doug Shimmel; 97.5 the Fanatic's Tony Bruno; and former Eagles Garry Cobb and Eric Allen. Phillies PA announcer Dan Baker hosted the ceremony at which the Eagles Pep Band and the Polish American String Band performed with Angela Despersia and Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns. Councilman Jack Kelly, Register of Wills Ron Donatucci and Sheriff Barbara Deeley read a city citation.

No jive turkeys here

ShopRite's Turkey Bowling event yesterday at its Castor & Aramingo location resulted in a donation of 100 cases of frozen turkeys to Philabundance and the Food Bank of South Jersey.

Harlem Globetrotters TNT Maddox and Handles Franklin took part in the event, bowling frozen turkeys at paper-towel rolls.