Writer sues Gibson over 'Passion' profits

Los Angeles -- The co-writer of the 2004 religious blockbuster "The Passion of the Christ" is suing filmmaker Mel Gibson for $5 million in Los Angeles.

Benedict Fitzgerald has accused Gibson -- the film's co-writer, director and co-producer -- of fraud, breach of contract and unfair business practices, People.com reported.

Fitzgerald claimed Gibson represented the film as a small, low-budget project that wasn't expected to make him any money personally, however, the film went on to gross a reported $600 million worldwide.

Fitzgerald said he was paid $75,000 for the job but borrowed $200,000 from Gibson to cover expenses.

"Gibson preyed monetarily on Ben, taking advantage of his unbridled enthusiasm for the project and with full cognizance of Ben's fundamental personal and spiritual beliefs," the lawsuit said.

George R. Hedges, a lawyer who represents Gibson's Icon production company, dismissed the suit as "utterly baseless," adding that Fitzgerald "was handsomely compensated -- a very significant amount of money for any writer on any project."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.