Star blackmailed for $25m

John Travolta was blackmailed over the death of his sonÂ…

13:56 23 September 2009

Hollywood actor John Travolta is at the centre of an $25million (£15m) blackmail trial surrounding the death of his 16-year-old son.

A paramedic who was on the scene of the emergency is accused of blackmailing the 'Pulp Fiction' star and threatening to publish a 'refusal of medical attention' form.

The form states that Travolta had initially refused medical attention for his teenage son.

Jett Travolta, who was prone to seizures, suffered a massive attack at the family's holiday home in the Bahamas in January 2009. He was found unconscious in a bathroom.

Paramedic Tarino Lightbourne arrived at Travolta's home, but instead of taking the patient to the hospital, Travolta allegedly asked the ambulance crew to drive Jett, 16, to the airport. Travolta is an experienced pilot of many years.

However, the ambulance did go to the hospital in the end and not the airport. Jett Travolta was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Senior police officer Inspector Andrew Wells was a witness to the signed document. He said it was the first time he had heard such a request in 27 years.

This 'refusal of medical attention' form signed by Wells is now at the centre of the blackmail trail, which opened in the Bahamas yesterday.

The accusations state that the paramedic and his accomplice Pleasant Bridgewater were involved in threatening to release the document unless the star payed up $25m.

The duo was caught on film demanding millions from the actor in exchange for the form. They have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

It is thought that the trial may call on Travolta's following of Scientology which states that some medical conditions are not recognized.