Quaid drops
Brokeback lawsuit; details murky

Representatives for Randy Quaid told Variety on Tuesday that the actor had dropped his suit against Focus Features--which claimed that the studio duped him into appearing in Brokeback Mountain for little money because the movie was going to be an art-house movie that wouldn't gross much--after Focus agreed to pay him a settlement. Focus representatives, however, deny that any such agreement took place. Quaid's spokespeople assert that the settlement was made behind the scenes in the form of a bonus that would be paid to all the members of the cast. The actor's original suit sought $10 million.

Focus released the following statement: "Randy Quaid is a wonderful actor who delivered a beautiful performance in Brokeback Mountain. The circumstances of him dropping the suit are as mysterious as the circumstances under which he filed his claim. Focus Features never negotiated, offered, or agreed to any settlement agreement with Mr. Quaid or his attorneys, but we are happy to put this behind us, and do wish Mr. Quaid all the best." (The Advocate)