'Dance Moms' star Abby Lee Miller says catheter was left in her abdomen for years, sues hospital
Share and Follow

“Dance Moms” star Abby Lee Miller sued a prominent Los Angeles hospital on Tuesday, alleging that doctors left a foreign object in her body after performing surgery.

Miller, known for her starring role on the hit reality TV show, is suing Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and two doctors for medical malpractice, professional negligence and medical battery.

The 59-year-old former reality star alleges that the physicians left a catheter inside of her abdomen after she had spinal surgery in 2020. She is seeking nearly $1.5 million in damages.

“Abby Lee Miller suffered for years from an object left inside of her during spinal surgery; despite complaints to various physicians, not one ordered imaging of any kind to diagnose the source of her pain,” Nadine Lewis, Miller’s attorney, said in a statement.

Since the surgery in 2020, Miller — who is paraplegic — said she repeatedly reported the discomfort to physicians who “systemically dismissed her chronic pain and let her suffer for years with a catheter inside of her abdomen,” the suit reads.

Miller’s abdominal discomfort “had escalated into persistent and debilitating pain, impacting her quality of life on a daily basis” by March 2024, according to the suit. Later that year, while she was seeking care for an unrelated issue at a different hospital, she was referred to an emergency room for the pain.

Two days later, in June 2024, a CT scan revealed that a foreign object was inside her abdomen, the suit says, and she had the bright blue catheter surgically removed.

“This is not just medical battery, it reflects a larger, devastating truth: women’s pain is too often ignored or dismissed by the very professionals sworn to care for them,” Lewis said. “Abby’s case is a chilling reminder: even when women are vocal and visibly in distress, their pain is still not believed.”

A spokesperson for Cedars-Sinai said in a statement that the hospital can’t comment pending legal matters nor discuss any patient’s medical treatment due to federal and state privacy laws.

“However, the care and safety of our patients, staff and visitors are always Cedars-Sinai’s top priorities,” the hospital said. “We are dedicated to ensuring that we meet the highest standards of care for all those we serve.”

A receptionist for Dr. Hooman Melamed, one of the physicians Miller is suing, hung up the phone when asked if the doctor would like to comment.

Dr. Paul Dwan, the other physician cited in the suit, declined to comment.

In 2017, Miller made national headlines when she was sentenced to a year in federal prison for concealing assets from a bankruptcy court, and one count of failing to report an international currency transaction.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chinese scholars charged with smuggling biological materials into US under research cover

Chinese Researchers Accused of Illegally Transporting Biotech Materials into U.S. Under Research Pretext

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has revealed that three Chinese scholars have…
An American man and his son die after suffering stings from a swarm of wasps while ziplining in Laos

Tragic Encounter: American Father and Son Fatally Stung by Wasp Swarm While Ziplining in Laos

A doctor attending to the victims reported that both individuals experienced severe…
Jacksonville City Councilman files ordinance seeking to allow downtown restaurants to have sidewalk dining

Jacksonville City Councilman Proposes Ordinance to Boost Downtown Economy with Sidewalk Dining Initiative

Plans for expanding sidewalk dining options in Downtown Jacksonville are gaining traction,…
California woman launches 'Marry Lisa' billboards to find husband

California Woman Takes Love to New Heights with ‘Marry Lisa’ Billboard Campaign to Find Husband

In a bold move to find love, a woman from the San…
Demi Moore's gloves get stuck in Glamour Women of the Year Awards video

Demi Moore Experiences Glove Mishap at Glamour Women of the Year Awards

Sometimes achieving stunning style demands a bit of effort. Demi Moore gave…
Taylor Swift holds hands with Travis Kelce on rare date night

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Spark Romance Rumors with Rare Date Night Outing

In a rare public outing, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted…
Libby Adame, a Riverside County woman convicted of second-degree murder for administering a fatal silicone butt injection to actress Cindyana Santangelo. (KTLA)

Tragic Hollywood Case: Woman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Fatal Silicone Injection

A woman from Southern California has been sentenced to 15 years to…
Tennessee governor invites New Yorkers to move after Mamdani victory

Escape to Tennessee: Governor’s Bold Invitation to New Yorkers After Mamdani’s Win

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — As Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist, steps…