LeAnn Rimes files lawsuit over illegal recording

LeAnn Rimes has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against two women whom she alleges tape-recorded her without her consent, People reports.

Court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court Thursday state that Kimberly and Lexi Smiley "conspired to spitefully ensure that out-of-context excerpts of that recording would be disseminated to the public." The names are fake, as Rimes does not know the true name of the defendants.

In the lawsuit, which state that the Smiley women's actions have caused the country singer "emotional distress," Rimes seeks to be "compensated for the harm that she has endured as a result of the defendants' malicious actions," according to People.

"There has been this cyber-bullying that has been going on for a considerable period of time," Rimes's attorney Larry Stein told Celebuzz. "These women have been merciless … Rimes didn't like it, but she hoped things would get better."

Rimes entered a treatment facility earlier this week for assistance with "anxiety and stress."

Read more:

LeAnn Rimes interested in 'X Factor' judges post — EXCLUSIVE