From Contact music today:
QUAID BROKEBACK LAWSUIT TAKES CURIOUS TURN
LATEST: Actor RANDY QUAID has dropped his $10 million (GBP5.8 million) lawsuit against the producers of BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, insisting they have reached an agreement to pay him a bonus. The star filed the suit in Los Angeles Superior Court in March (06), claiming he was underpaid for his supporting role in the film as rancher JOE AGUIRRE. Quaid alleged Focus Features duped him into deferring his normal payment for the film by touting the production as an independent art-house film that couldn't afford to pay actors their normal rate. However, a Focus Features spokesperson is adamant no settlement has been agreed with the actor. According to Quaid's representatives, the agreement was unofficial and the actor has requested the bonus be split among the cast members. The Focus Features spokesperson says, "The circumstances of him dropping the suit are as mysterious as the circumstances under which he filed his claim. "Focus Features never negotiated, offered or agreed to any settlement agreement with Mr Quaid or his attorneys, but we're happy to put this behind us, and do wish Mr Quaid the best." The Oscar-nominated film, starring HEATH LEDGER and JAKE GYLLENHAAL, has grossed nearly $160 million (GBP91 million) worldwide.
03/05/2006 21:13