David Gest and Liza Minnelli have yet to finalise their divorce

David Gest claims she hit him during a drunken rage, leaving him with lasting headaches, insomnia and vertigo.

But a medical expert acting for Ms Minnelli said the symptoms were caused by the shingles virus.

Ms Minnelli, 60, wed Mr Gest in 2002 but separated after 15 months. They have yet to finalise their divorce.

"The complaint must be dismissed in its entirety. There is no triable issue of fact," said Judge Jane Solomon of the Supreme Court in Manhattan.

Elaborate wedding

Mr Gest alleged that his wife threw a lamp at him during a row at a London hotel before punching him.

Among the ailments he said he suffered were "throbbing pain, severe headaches, vertigo, nausea, hypertension, scalp tenderness and insomnia."

Following the dismissal of the action, Mr Gest's lawyers signalled their intention to appeal.

Ms Minnelli is counter-suing, alleging Mr Gest cost her work by alienating people in showbusiness.