MONTREAL — A man is suing a hypnotist for $456,692 because he claims he hurt his knee while dancing in a deep trance that didn't end when he left the stage.

Eric Morneau blames the popular hypnotist Messmer and the Entourage production company for injuries he allegedly suffered during a May 28, 2011, show at a Montreal theatre.

The complainant, who works as an exterminator in Granby, Que., claims he was in "deep hypnosis and...had no control of his movements" after agreeing to go onstage.

The lawsuit says Messmer asked the volunteers to dance the French Cancan, which involves suggestive moves and high leg kicks.

Morneau says he remained spellbound after the volunteers were sent off the stage.

"The plaintiff could not help but start dancing again," the lawsuit says.

Morneau claims he suddenly felt a "sharp pain in his right knee that caused him to fall on the people around him and prevented him from continuing to dance."

He said his injury was so unbearable that he had difficulty walking.

A doctor diagnosed him with a sprained knee, the suit says, and he claims he had to undergo surgery and miss months of work.

Morneau says two years later he still has trouble doing physical activity or working as a volunteer firefighter.

Morneau alleges he had no control of his actions while under hypnosis and was unable to understand the risks related to Messmer's commands.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

In an e-mail to QMI Agency, the Entourage production company said Morneau is the only person to complain from among more than 70,000 people who have been hypnotized over the past eight years.

"We are sorry to note that the defendant has chosen to bring the matter before the courts," the firm said.

"Entourage finds the current situation deplorable (but) neither Messmer, nor Entourage can be held responsible."