Actor Danny DeVito has been accused of poaching employees from a Miami Beach, Florida, restaurant for his own new eatery. The funnyman plans to open an Italian restaurant with business partner David Minero later this year.

But Nick Fielding, general manager of Table 8, insists the pint-sized producer is trying to steal his staff.

He tells PageSix, "He talked a lot of trash to (the female maitre d') about other local restaurants in his effort to entice her. Fortunately everyone has stayed."

DeVito's spokesman would not comment on the claims.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)