Mel Gibson Wants "Passion" Finances Secret

LOS ANGELES — Mel Gibson, who's being sued by a writer over payment for the "The Passion of the Christ" screenplay, wants to keep financial information about the blockbuster movie out of the public eye.

Benedict Fitzgerald claimed in his February lawsuit that Gibson misled him into accepting a small payment for writing the script by saying the movie would cost between $4 million and $7 million.

Fitzgerald, who shared screenwriting credits with Gibson, claimed he agreed to "a salary substantially less than what he would have taken had he known the true budget for the film," which the lawsuit claimed was $25 million to $50 million. The lawsuit claims fraud, breach of contract and unjust enrichment, and seeks unspecified damages.

In court filings Tuesday, attorneys for Gibson and his production company asked the court to seal the movie's financial records and only allow Fitzgerald's lawyers access to them. The information details the movie's domestic and foreign box office receipts, production costs and distribution expenses.

The defense is also seeking to dismiss some of Fitzgerald's claims, including fraud, which if proven would allow Fitzgerald to seek punitive damages.

Comments

[lowry99]

EEEEVVVIIIIIIILLLLLLLLL

[Felicty]

That will teach him to think he can TRUST an Xtian!

[javaman]

hell the budget alone on the fake blood was probably 4 to 5 million.

[kfdan]

You know, I use to like Mel when he was an actor ... he seemed more complete ... as a director and producer ... he's proving himself to be quite a selfish and stingy sort. Bad for the heart ... Oh, Braveheart!

[TRYKER]

Nothing like ripping off the script for your passionate love for your savior and sandbagging all the dough like a good Christian. I hope they open the books WIDE!

[Bogmogolow]

This was supposed to be a small budget film done out the passion Mel feels for the Christ. What if it wasn't?

[adamsmith]

Get behind the FairTax Mel..............No one should know what anyone earns, you should be taxed at the checkout counter................