MUMBAI: Pop star Britney Spears is being sued by one of her back-up dancers for allegedly breaking the latter's nose during a dance rehearsal. The incident on which the lawsuit has been filed is said to have taken place last August when the 'I'm a Slave 4 U' singer showed up for a video shoot rather unprepared.

According to reports, the dancer- Dawn Noel, in the lawsuit, claimed that Spears was in a "dishevelled and confused state”. The dancer also added that the 32 year old was about two and a half hours late for the shoot, and despite having "fairly basic” choreography, the singer seemed to have "difficulty learning the moves and following simple directions”.

Noel detailed the exact moment of the injury saying Spears "twirled in an unbalanced and reckless manner, arms extended out to her sides and forcefully backhanded” her in the face. She also said that there was a "cracking sound”, for which a medic later advised her that she would need a surgery to fix the nasal fracture.

The lawsuit also names Reign Deer Entertainment, a production company, who allegedly promised to pay for Noel's medical bills, but did not. The most she got was an apology from the singer right after the incident happened. Noel claims that their failure to foot the medical bills is the reason she is suing.

Reports also say that Noel claimed the incident resulted in "severe injuries/disfigurement to her nose, as well as severe emotional distress and anxiety," for which she is also suing Spears. Along with the damages, Noel's lawyer will also be seeking compensation for loss of earnings.