Gibson ordered to talk about ‘Passion’ filming

A screenwriter claims he was underpaid for his work on the film

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updated 9:49 p.m. ET Nov. 25, 2008

LOS ANGELES - A judge says Mel Gibson must answer questions about planning and filming “The Passion of the Christ” in response to a screenwriter’s lawsuit.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gregory Alarcon on Tuesday ordered Gibson to appear for a deposition by mid-January.

Screenwriter Benedict Fitzgerald claims he was underpaid for his work on “Passion.”

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His attorneys say Gibson spent tens of thousands of dollars on his children’s education while filming in Italy and paid a chiropractor $78,000. They contend those expenses lowered payments to Fitzgerald.

Gibson’s attorneys want to keep their client from having to answer questions about the blockbuster film.

Gibbon’s lawyer didn’t return an after-hours phone message.