Court Sets Trial Date for Madonna Case

A lawsuit alleging that Madonna and her director-husband, Guy Ritchie, stole the idea for the 2002 film remake of “Swept Away” will go to court May 4.

In the suit, self-described singer, songwriter, director and actor Vincent D’Onofrio alleges Madonna and Ritchie took his idea for a remake of the 1975 Italian comedy and then cut him out of the credits and compensation.

The movie, directed by Ritchie, stars Madonna as a wealthy woman stranded on a desert island with a sailor. It bombed at the box office and was panned by critics.

D’Onofrio sued Madonna, Ritchie and Sony Pictures in Superior Court in October 2002, claiming he pitched the idea to Madonna in April 1997 and had several meetings with her and Ritchie.

Attorneys for Madonna and Ritchie have said D’Onofrio does not have proof of a contract with the female singer or Sony.
D’Onofrio’s attorney said he would seek $10 million in damages.
D’Onofrio is not the actor of the same name who portrays Detective Bobby Goren on NBC’s “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”

Source:Associated Press