Esai sued by ex-girlfriend

Here's the lowdown from Associated Press:

Esai Morales was sued by a former live-in girlfriend who alleged the former "NYPD Blue" star assaulted her and gave her herpes. The Superior Court lawsuit filed Thursday by Elizabeth Mazzocchi alleged intentional and negligent transmission of a sexually transmitted disease, assault, battery and breach of oral contract.

Morales knew he had herpes and never told Mazzocchi, leaving her with "an incurable disease that will have associated medical expenses, pain and discomfort for the rest of her life," the suit said.

The suit was first reported by the entertainment Web site CelebTV.com.

Mazzocchi attorney Gloria Allred declined comment.

There was no immediate comment from the actor, his publicist Siri Garber said Friday. Morales, 44, appeared in the movies "Bad Boys" and "La Bamba," but he may be best known for his role as Lt. Tony Rodriguez on "NYPD Blue."

Morales and Mazzocchi began their relationship in January 2006 and he moved into her Los Angeles home two months later, according to the suit. Mazzocchi said she began managing Morales' career.

In April 2006, however, the suit alleged Morales began a "systematic pattern of abuse against (Mazzocchi), including a forcible rape."

Morales allegedly told Mazzocchi that if she ever called the police he would have "every gangbanger in town looking to kill (her)," the suit said.