Sir Elton John’s week got off to a bad start after a former employee launched legal action against him.
But after issuing a vehement denial of a ‘baseless’ claim of sexual harassment, the 69-year-old singer shrugged off his latest legal woes on holiday in Venice.
His husband David Furnish and their two sons helped take his mind off things as he enjoyed a stroll in the city’s iconic Piazza San Marco.
It comes as Sharon Osborne hit out at the bodyguard who is suing the star, branding him a ‘nut job’ and insisting he is not even Sir Elton’s type.
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Family time: Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish enjoy an afternoon stroll in Venice with their children Zachary and Elijah on Tuesday
Seeing the sights: The family walked to Piazza San Marco and passed the Doge’s Palace after getting the water taxi from their holiday home
The songwriter is being sued by Jeffrey Wenninger, who worked for him until 2014, who claims that the 69-year-old twisted his nipples and attempted to grab his genitals.
The bodyguard also claims the star put his hands down his trousers and told him to ‘get your todger out.’
Wearing Adidas tracksuit bottoms, baseball jacket and trainers, the rocker looked comfortable and warm on holiday as he walked along with his eldest son Zachary, five.
Meanwhile, his Canadian partner David, 53, kept close watch of their three-year-old son Elijah, who was wearing the same blueish grey jacket as his brother.
The pair had popped across to the centre of Venice on a water taxi from their home across the lagoon on the island of Giudecca.
Growing up fast: Sir Elton kept hold of eldest son Zachary, five, while David took charge of youngest Elijah, three
Little jet-setters: Sir Elton and David have numerous homes across the world, including a waterside home in the Venetian island of Giudecca
Time together: Sir Elton has been loving fatherhood since their eldest son Zachary was born on Christmas Day 2010
‘These claims are patently untrue and contradicted by numerous previous statements made by this plaintiff. We will not give in to his latest abuse of the legal system.’
Blending in: Sir Elton and David are regular visitors to Venice so have likely already seen all the tourist sights before
What a sight: The family walked past the Columns of San Marco and San Todaro at the lagoon entrance to Piazza San Marco
Helping hand: Sir Elton and David were joined by some friends and a nanny for their Easter break
Comfort first: Wearing Adidas tracksuit bottoms, baseball jacket and trainers, the rocker looked comfortable and warm
Wenninger worked for Elton while off-duty on and off over 12 years and alleged he was improperly removed from working with the singer in 2014.
According to US gossip website TMZ , Mr Wenninger’s lawsuit includes three alleged incidents involving the singer in 2014.
But Mr Wenninger’s lawyers say similar acts happened ‘on many other occasions’ throughout his employment, ‘escalating in frequency and intensity after 2010.’
Look at me daddy: Young Zachary flapped his arms like a bird as he ran along the boardwalk
Legal woes: The holiday in Venice came as Sir Elton vehemently denied a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassing a former security guard
The way to travel: Following their walk around, the couple headed back to the island of Giudecca on a water taxi
Enjoying the tranquility: Venice is a lot quieter during March compared to the tourist season over the summer
