NJ judge allows 'Jersey Shore' lawsuit to proceed

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — A judge in New Jersey has agreed to hear a lawsuit that claims producers of MTV's hit reality show "Jersey Shore" engaged in a "criminal enterprise" by profiting from showing fights that cast members deliberately provoked.

Attorney Eugene LaVergne of Long Branch said Monday that he filed the suit in March.

It seeks unspecified monetary damages on behalf of three clients involved in drunken fights with cast member Ronnie Magro.

On Friday, Superior Court Judge Joseph L. Foster denied a motion to dismiss the claim that the defendants' conduct violated New Jersey's racketeering statute.

An MTV spokeswoman has not returned after-hours messages left Monday seeking comment.