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Mel Gibson sued by The Passion of the Christ scriptwriter

Tuesday, 12 February 2008

Mel Gibson sued by The Passion of the Christ scriptwriter

Hollywood actor turned director, Mel Gibson, is reported to being sued by Benedict Fitzgerald, the scriptwriter of the film The Passion of the Christ.

The scriptwriter is suing for fraud, breach of contract, unjust enrichment and seeks unspecified damages. Benedict Fitzgerald alleges that Mel Gibson told him The Passion of the Christ would cost up to $7m to make, although the real budget was set between $25m to $50m.

Benedict Fitzgerald says that he accepted a salary, which was a lot less than what he should have got if he had known the real budget amount, and he claims he was refused extra money when the film became a blockbuster success.

Benedict Fitzgerald further alleges that Mel Gibson said he would not get any money from the film and that profits would be going to people who actually worked on the film.

The amount Benedict Fitzgerald was paid has not been revealed and there has been no comment from Mel Gibson or his representatives.

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