A housing inspector has sued a Seward real estate agent and her company over an email that he says she sent to more than 400 people, calling him a "total idiot."

Matthew Steinhausen sued agent Shelly Nitz, Woods Bros Realty and its parent company, HomeServices of Nebraska.

The defamation lawsuit says Nitz sent the email to Woods Bros and Home Real Estate agents after she'd been asked for feedback on Steinhausen.

The lawsuit says her email said she wouldn't let him near her listings ever again, then said, "Total idiot."

He alleges the criticism has severely damaged his business.

His lawsuit doesn't seek a specific award amount.

Nitz and the lawyer for HomeServices declined to comment Tuesday to The Associated Press.