Newton's lawyer, J. Stephen Peek, dismissed CSD's allegations as "salacious" lies and said the Newtons had nothing to do with the project's delayed opening.

"The real substance will come out in time," he told The Associated Press in a brief telephone interview.

The lawsuit seeks to have the Newton family immediately vacate their lavish estate, Casa de Shenandoah, and allow the $50 million project honoring the Las Vegas legend's music career to move forward. Construction plans for the museum called for an exhibition space, theater, zoo, visitors' center and other attractions.

The lawsuit also claims Newton sexually harassed a young female employee hired to train his 55 horses by repeatedly kissing her on the mouth. The worker quit and has threatened to sue Newton and CSD, according to the lawsuit.

Peek said the woman had been fired and described the accusations as an attempt to "obtain financial gain."