Oklahoma man sues "Wife Swap" television show

Friday, November 18th 2005, 2:07 pm

By: News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- An Oklahoma man is suing the producers of the television show "Wife Swap" for more than $10-million, saying he suffered when they sent a gay man to his home for the swap.

The reality television show on ABC usually focuses on two heterosexual couples temporarily swapping wives with the differences and problems in the households becoming the theme for each show.

Jeffrey Bedford of Haileyville says he was misled when a gay man was sent to his home. Bedford says he became emotionally distraught to the point of physical and mental illness.

He says he people associated with the show told him his wife was leaving him and if he didn't film the show they wouldn't tell him his wife's location or pay for her to be sent home.

ABC spokeswoman Anne Fort says the network is confident the producer of "Wife Swap" treats participants professionally and with respect.

The lawsuit names ABC, ABC owner Walt Disney Company and "Wife Swap" producer RDF Media.