Judge Brandy smiles at the panel for the NBC television show 'America's Got Talent' at the 'Television Critics Association' summer 2006 media tour in Pasadena, California, in this July 21, 2006 file photo.

The parents of a woman killed in a freeway crash involving Brandy sued the actress-singer for US$50 million on Tuesday.

The wrongful-death suit claims Brandy was driving recklessly when her Land Rover struck the back of a Honda driven by Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, The Insider first reported.

"The accident was a terrible tragedy, and Brandy's heart goes out to Awatef Aboudihaj's family," spokesman Allan Mayer said in a statement. "But for legal reasons we cannot comment on this lawsuit."

The suit was filed on behalf of Aboudihaj Ahmed and Labridi Zohra in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Vehicular manslaughter

It comes a day after the California Highway Patrol recommended Brandy be charged with misdemeanour vehicular man-slaughter in the December 30 accident. The city attorney's office is reviewing the case.

Brandy, whose real name is Brandy Norwood, has publicly expressed condolences to the victim's family.

Brandy, 27, was driving on December 30 when traffic slowed and her vehicle hit Aboudihaj's, a CHP report said.

Aboudihaj's car hit another vehicle, slid sideways into the centre divider and was then hit by another car, the report said. Aboudihaj, a Los Angeles waitress, died at a hospital from blunt-force injuries, according to the coroner's office.

Brandy, who earned a Grammy in 1999, has made five albums. She began her recording career at 14 and acted for film and television, starring on the sitcom Moesha from 1996-2001, and most recently as a judge for NBC's America's Got Talent.