Writer sues Mel Gibson over ‘Passion’ payment

A SCREENWRITER is suing Mel Gibson and his production company, claiming he was misled by the actor-director into accepting a small payment for writing The Passion of the Christ, and was refused extra money when the film became a blockbuster.

American Benedict Fitzgerald claims when he was asked to write a script about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Gibson told him the movie would cost between $4 million (€2.7m) and $7m (€4.8m), according to the lawsuit filed.

Mr Fitzgerald also alleged Gibson promised he would not receive any money from the film and any profit would be distributed to people who worked on it.