Britney Spears News

(11/26/02, 5 p.m. ET) -- Britney Spears's New York City restaurant, Nyla, has been petitioned by creditors to file bankruptcy.

Three Nyla food suppliers have filed paperwork in a Manhattan division of the U.S. court, in an attempt to force the pop superstar's eatery into Chapter 7 proceedings. They claim more than $25,000 is owed in unpaid bills for deliveries of seafood including lobster, dairy goods, restaurant equipment, and dinnerware.

Spears's Pinky Enterprises is named in the lawsuit and she is also accused of allegedly taking any profits from the establishment, while the creditors go unpaid. Plaintiffs assert that the restaurant has never had enough money to engage in proper business.

Nyla opened in June, named for New York City and Spears's homestate of Louisiana, hence Nyla. The restaurant has been plagued by problems, including the head chef leaving shortly after opening night, a stabbing outside its doors, and two diners reportedly suffering food poisoning.

Recently, the restaurant's menu was changed from southern food to a Mediterranean cuisine in the hopes of attracting more customers.

According to U.S. bankruptcy laws, if a debtor owes more than 12 creditors, an involuntary bankruptcy case may be commenced when three creditors, owed $10,000 or more combined, sign a petition. Spears and her representatives have not commented on the allegations or the court case.

-- Darryl Morden, Los Angeles

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