CRISS ANGEL'S VEGAS CAT CAPER

Magician Criss Angel is being threatened with a lawsuit over the alleged theft of Las Vegas show producer Jeff Beacher's cat. Beacher, the man behind hit variety show "Beacher's Madhouse," is accusing the "Mindfreak" television star of refusing to return his beloved cat Hamlet after he offered to care for the animal in 2007. In a letter to Angel, his lawyer Robert Reynolds writes: "After both of Mr. Beacher's parents passed away due to cancer, his family's cat was bequeathed to him by will. At the time, Mr. Beacher was residing at the (Las Vegas) Hard Rock Hotel. Accordingly, he allowed his friend Jennifer Madden to temporarily care for the cat until he moved out of the hotel. "Soon thereafter, while still grieving over the recent loss of his father, my client received a phone call from you (Angel) stating, 'I took your cat. He lives with me now'... This action was against the will of Ms. Madden and Mr. Beacher. I also understand that you made further bizarre allegations, including, 'The cat no longer likes you' and 'The cat and I have become close friends.' ...You and Mr. Beacher have repeatedly argued about the theft of his cat and your continued unwillingness to return it. Perhaps you are not aware of the legal consequences." According to the New York Daily News, Beacher will seek punitive damages if Hamlet is not returned. Explaining the two year delay in taking legal action against Angel, Beacher adds: "I was a mess. I'm better now and want my cat back."

Photo By: RD/Kabik/Retna