Gibson Sues A Second Cinema Chain

Actor Mel Gibson is suing a second cinema chain claiming it owes $1 million (GBP550,000) in box office sales for his controversial movie THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST.

Gibson's company ICON DISTRIBUTION filed the lawsuit this week (begs12JUL04) in LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT against Florida-based MUVICO THEATERS, which reportedly owns 233 screens in three American states.

According to Icon's attorney JEFFREY McFARLAND, Muvico owes about $1 million based on an agreement to pay 55 per cent of receipts.

It was the second such lawsuit Icon has filed seeking an agreed-upon share of ticket sales for the film.

Last month (JUN04), Icon sued the REGAL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP for at least $40 million (GBP22 million), claiming it was shortchanged on box office revenues.