MTV and the cast of Jersey Shore are being sued by a young woman who claims the reality show’s bodyguards assaulted her

Instead of tanning on the beach, it looks like the cast of Jersey Shore will be sweating it out in court. Snooki, The Situation and the rest of the cast of MTV’s most recent guilty pleasure have been accused of assault on more than one occasion.

The plaintiff, a woman only identified by her initials, J.P., claims that Jersey Shore bodyguards threw her to the ground following a conflict with Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, perhaps the most infamous of the show’s tanned stars. The alleged victim is suing not only the cast, but MTV, its parent company, Viacom, and 495 productions.

The reality show, which follows eight young Italian-American men and women as they spend their summer on the beach, has become extremely popular with young audiences. For instance, 5.3 million viewers tuned in for the second season premiere, making it the second highest MTV premiere ever, right behind the second season debut of The Osbournes. However, like many other popular MTV shows before it, Jersey Shore comes with its share of controversy.

The incident is reported to have occurred September 2009, which happens to be the same night that cast member Ronnie Oritz-Magro was arrested for knocking a man named Stephen Izzo Jr. unconscious. The latter is also suing MTV and the network’s producers.

The recent assault charges against Jersey Shore follow Snooki’s arrest this July in Seaside, NJ for disorderly conduct. Reports claim the reality star made a scene as she stumbled her way, drunk, across the beach. She was charged with a misdemeanor and was released on a summons. The reality star is due in court September 8, and, if convicted, will face up to $500 in fines. If the reality show is found guilty of assault charges, it could be pulled off the air.

Despite the threat of cancellation, the cast of Jersey Shore is currently filming its third season in Seaside. But, it’s obvious that an attitude check is in order. If they’re not careful, their next season could be Jersey Jail.