Mel Gibson sued over "Passion" compensation

Hello, I'm Rebecca Field with today's UPI entertainment update on this Tuesday, February 12, 2008.

The co-screenwriter from "Passion of the Christ" is taking legal action against Mel Gibson. Court papers show Benedict Fitzgerald is suing his writing partner for fraud, unfair business practices and breach of contract. He's reportedly seeking 5 million dollars, saying Gibson failed to give him fair compensation and kept most of the money for himself. A lawyer for Gibson's production company says the lawsuit is baseless and Fitzgerald was "Handsomely compensated."

Britney Spears is apparently trying to be a positive influence to children...now teaching a dance class. People magazine says the pop star taught an hour-long dance lesson to a small group of kids ages 4 to 7 yesterday. The director of the studio says Spears taught age appropriate routines to several Madonna songs and was amazing with the children. Spears has been reportedly spending a lot of time in the studio lately, working on dance numbers for her new songs.

Michelle Williams is back in New York after saying a final goodbye to Heath Ledger. The actress was spotted near the set of her new film "Mammoth" in SoHo yesterday. Williams was in Australia over the weekend for her former boyfriend's wake. Close friends and family apparently gathered at a beach to remember the actor. The ceremony was apparently held at one of Ledger's favorite spots. The actor died last month from an accidental drug overdose.

Country music star Dolly Parton is delaying her upcoming U.S. concert tour. The singer is reportedly suffering from some back problems and has been ordered to rest for six to eight weeks. The tour, which was supposed to begin at the end of the month, is now expected to kick off in late April. Plans for Parton's European tour in June and July are still apparently in place.

Former "O.C." star Rachel Bilson is all about the action in her upcoming thriller "Jumper." She stars in the film alongside her real life rumored boyfriend Hayden Christensen in the movie. The pair made hit the red carpet last night for the premiere in New York. Other cast members like Samuel L. Jackson attended the event as well. "Jumper" is set for a U.S. release on Thursday.

That's all for now. And be sure to check out all of our special segments on upi.com. Thanks for watching.

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• gibson
• britney
• spears
• rachel
• bilson
• dolly
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• celebrity

[boxerpup7]

regardless to what the claim, you will notice after the making of the passion of Christ, all of a sudden mel gibson is attacked from every angle. if it isnt for being human and having a drink, ok, dont drink and drive but all of a sudden the radar is on gibson. all of a sudden law suits, all of a sudden attack, attack attack. I wonder if mel thinks he should have been outspoken about Christ trouble follow anyone who does. from not only radicals, but all society. the radar is on when U believe.

[Iolimcool]

@prophetzmaster Was that even English? Learn how to type.

[jfreakcheck12]

that's the enemy working against Mel, no doubt...

[shawndx100]

mel gibson is awesome and he showed everyone in the world how jesus suffred for our sins really good movie and its not just a stopid movie about stpid things and all nonmeaningful stuff its the most important thing in our l9ives specially believers

[prophetzmaster]

Britney is morally reprehensible,her filthy kabballah shite is for da undermenschen.

She need 2 give her animal like children 2 da zoo,where they and her religion in my belief need 2 go.

14/88

[euphfellowship]

There is nothing age appropriate about dancing to Madonna songs!

[mtaanios]

Why do you always miss the point? the film wasn't only well done , but it was a brilliant work with no mistake what so ever. the man diservers all the respect that an artist could be given. I hope he ment what he had given.

[danmanjones]

age appropriate... madonna... alllllrighty then

[kawasakininjad]

MORE REBECCA!!! she makes the show that much better!! YOU ROCK REBECCA!!

[gbail9566]

Love watching Rebecca!