Madonna sued by British director

A British director and production company have sued Madonna for failing to pay expenses racked up during the making of a television show, it emerged today.

Hamish Hamilton claims the pop star refused to pay his director’s fee after employing him to direct a two-hour concert special.

In the same lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles court, London-based production company Done and Dusted is also seeking production costs after filming various concerts and rehearsals in the making of the programme.

“Despite acknowledging that the money is owed, Madonna refuses to pay Mr Hamilton his $175,000 (€134,000) director’s fee and refuses to reimburse Done and Dusted Ltd for approximately $175,000 for expenses incurred,” the suit reads.

Hamilton claims he was employed in May 2004 to direct a two-hour programme about Madonna’s European Re-Invention tour.

At her request, he said he attended shows around the world but the singer has failed to pay the costs as promised, according to the complaint obtained by the Celebrity Justice website.

Madonna’s publicist was unavailable for comment.

Mr Hamilton has directed several music television shows including the 2004 Brit Awards, Britney Spears Live from Miami and Robbie Williams Live at Knebworth.