Jerry Lewis has fired his publicist Rick Saphire after he allegedly demanded $20,000 from the media to interview the legendary funnyman.

The King Of Comedy star, 81, was furious when Saphire allegedly told Newsweek journalist Steve Friess that Lewis had set up an interview fee in recent years in a bid to reduce the amount of media one-to-ones he carried out.

Friess quotes Saphire on his blog as saying, "It's a healthy sum, but any story about him receives international attention and raises readership."

Since Friess went public with Saphire's alleged demands, Lewis has now terminated his employment and has arranged an interview with the journalist.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)