Gerard Butler Sues Over Unpaid Salary

Movie starGerard Butleris taking legal action against the producers of scuppered crime drama Motor City, alleging that his salary has not been paid.

The Scottish beefcake was attached to play the lead role in the movie, which had the plug pulled on it last year after its backing fell through.

The Wrap reports that Butler, 43, is claiming $5.1 million in damages, alleging "breach of contract" and "breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing".

His contract apparently included a "pay-or-play" clause, entitling him to $4m whether the film got made or not - plus up to another $2m in compensation.

The lawsuit reads: "Seeking to capitalise on Butler's hugely popular persona and worldwide recognition, Defendant solicited Butler's services as the lead actor in a theatrical motion picture tentatively entitled Motor City.

"After offering Butler the starring role in the motion picture on a pay-or-play basis, Defendant then used and exploited Butler's attachment to the motion picture to pre-sell the distribution rights and raise financing."

But Rick Rosenthal, representing defendants Randall Emmett and George Furla, disputed the claim.

He said: "There is no written agreement between the parties and there were still outstanding deal points that were material to the deal that were not agreed upon.

"Everybody wishes the movie had gone forward, but they do not have any legal liability."