EXCLUSIVE: Mel Gibson Settling Suit over 'Passion' Screenplay
May 18 2009, Published 7:44 a.m. ET
While divorce proceedings may plague Mel Gibson for months to come, creatively he's home free.
The actor and director agreed to settle a lawsuit today with Passion of The Christ screenwriter Benedict Fitzgerald, who accused Gibson of fraud and breach of contract over the script for the religious blockbuster.
Fitzgerald alleged that, when approached by Gibson to pen the telling of the crucifixion of Jesus, the star claimed to be working on a limited budget.
Fitzgerald was paid $75,000 for his services, while claiming to have borrowed over $200,000 for his expenses. Passion went on to gross over $600 million worldwide
Fitzgerald said in documents, filed in February of 2008, that Gibson "took advantage of his unbridled enthusiasm for the project."
The terms of the settlement are currently being negotiated.
Check out the court papers here!
(Photo: Splash News)