Entertainment> Celebrities

RV dealer challenges 'Twilight' star to push-ups

(Agencies)
2010-08-31 09:47

Actor Taylor Lautner, who stars in the upcoming movie 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse', poses for a portrait in Los Angeles June 12, 2010. Picture taken June 12, 2010.[Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES – The owner of an RV dealership sued by Taylor Lautner over a customized vehicle challenged the "Twilight" star Monday to use his muscles instead of his lawyers to resolve the case.

Brent McMahon, who owns McMahon's RV in Irvine, Calif., offered to compete in a push-up contest to settle the breach of contract lawsuit that Lautner filed Aug. 23 claiming the dealership failed to deliver a $300,000 RV on time for use as a dressing room on the set of the actor's latest film.

McMahon and his attorney denied wrongdoing and said they will vigorously defend the case in court if Lautner, 18, doesn't accept the challenge.

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Lautner's attorney Robert Barta said the challenge was indicative of problems with the dealership.

"McMahon RV's response to our client's legitimate claim further demonstrates the lack of professionalism that Mr. McMahon, his company and his employees have exhibited from the outset, and that compelled the filing of this lawsuit in the first place," the statement read.

The push-up contest was a "facetious suggestion," it said.

The dealership said Lautner's camp had sought a $40,000 settlement to resolve the case, leading to the unorthodox proposal by McMahon. The 47-year-old businessman said if he won the contest, he would donate the settlement money to Children's Hospital of Orange County.

Barta's statement said the matter might be settled if McMahon made a $40,000 donation to a charity of Lautner's choosing.

Lautner's lawsuit also claimed the RV needed additional work after it was delivered. Barta's statement claimed the vehicle wasn't in a safe, drivable condition when it was handed over.

It was unclear what upgrades Lautner sought. McMahon said the vehicle was given a custom paint job.

Lautner gained fame for his role as Jacob Black in the "Twilight" movie series. He is currently filming "Abduction" and will reprise his role as Black in the two-part "Twilight" finale.