Angry Ex Hits 'Moonstruck' Scribe With Sex Lawsuit

A former flame of John Patrick Shanley has hit the writer with a $5 million lawsuit for allegedly abusing her during a violent sexual relationship, the New York Post reports. But 61-year-old Shanley, the Oscar-winning author of "Moonstruck" and "Doubt," denies that he committed any non-consensual sex acts during his four-month fling with Amanda Jencsik, 26. “I dated Amanda Jencsik several times,” said Shanley. "Our relationship was totally consensual. ... We never exchanged a harsh word."

"I am distressed and surprised to see her being exploited this way," he added. "I wish her well.” Jencsik's lawsuit claims that during sex, Shanley covered her mouth and neck, asked whether she felt "like I'm raping you," and wrapped his belt "around [her] neck and pulled the belt, preventing [her] from breathing." Coincidence or not, Shanley is no stranger to the subject: His 2003 play "Dirty Story" depicted a horrifying sadomasochistic relationship between a successful writer and his young female protégé. (More Doubt stories.)