Kings deny merits of lawsuit alleging mascot Bailey groped man's buttocks

The man behind Los Angeles Kings mascot "Bailey" is being sued for allegedly groping the buttocks of a former Staples Center dishwasher in 2016, according to ABC News.

The club acknowledged the suit Friday, denying its merits.

Plaintiff Maso Griffin claims the incident involving Tim Smith - the man behind the Bailey costume - took place in an elevator and that he was fired from his job two days later after complaining to human resources director Melissa Smith, wife of the defendant.

Griffin says Smith put one hand on his shoulder and squeezed his buttocks with the other.

The suit also alleges Griffin's coworkers poked fun of him after the incident, asking, "Was his hand furry?"

Also named in the suit are Kings' owner Anschutz Entertainment Group Inc., as well as Levy Restaurants Inc. and Compass Group USA, which both provide food services to Staples Center.