Parents of U.S. Gold medalist Tianna Madison have filed suit against their daughter claiming that the 27-year-old was libel for slanderous statements she made to the press about her parents.
Robert and Jo Ann Madison filed suit against Tianna and her husband, John Bartoletta, at a Cuyahoga County's Court of Common Pleas in Ohio on Sept. 6.
The Madisons say that her daughter and husband have repeatedly told the media that her parents mistreated her, intentionally mismanaged her finances and bullied her throughout the years. The Madisons claim that their daughter should be accountable for defamation of character and libelous slander. They are seeking a minimum of $25,000 in damages.
Madison, along with Bartoletta is also in litigation with her parents. According to reports, she filed a suit in March against her folks for "misappropriation of funds and fraud based on her power of attorney," as reported by ABC News.
Her parents released a statement claiming, "Throughout her childhood, and into adulthood, Robert Madison and Jo Ann Madison have provided Tianna Madison with a loving, supportive and generous environment that has enabled her to achieve success as a sprinter, including her obtaining a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, as well as achieving success in other athletic endeavors," as reported by ABC News.
Tianna and her husband, who are residing in Tampa, Florida could not be reached for comments.
In the London Olympics 2012, Tianna won the gold medal in the 4x100-meter relay track. She also won the gold in world record time with Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight and Carmelita Jeter.
