Hurley's ex sues top actor
2003-02-13 08:06
Los Angeles - Hollywood producer Steve Bing is suing Sean Penn for $15 million after accusing the actor of attempted extortion. But Penn has hit back with a $10 million lawsuit, claiming breach of oral contract.
Bing alleges that Penn demanded $10 million from his company after being denied a promised part in the film Why Men Shouldn't Marry, even though no contract had been signed.
"Penn's representatives menacingly warned Bing that Penn could not be controlled, and that he was crazy and irrational," according to the lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
The actor said if he was not paid he would publicly claim he had been rejected for the role because of his opposition to war in Iraq, the suit alleged.
The Dead Man Walking star travelled to Baghdad in mid-December to express his opposition to a US attack on Iraq.
Bing says he invested millions of dollars in the film, including hiring Woody Allen to star in the movie.
But Penn told his agent to delay finalising a deal with the Shangri-La Entertainment production company, with the aim of getting paid under a "pay or play" provision, the suit alleges.
A "pay or play" clause ensures actors are still paid even if the movie is not made, or they are replaced before or during filming.
Bing 37, last year agreed to pay £1.8 million for the upbringing of his son by Liz Hurley after DNA tests proved he was the father.
Penn claims breach of oral contract and is asking for $10 million in damages. Bing claims civil extortion and is claiming $15 million in damages. - Ananova.com
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