Celebrity Lawsuit Roundup: August 28, 2012

Legal trouble is just as present in celebrity lives as the fabled Hollywood glitz and glamour that the rich and famous enjoy. As summer comes to an end, some of America’s favorite celebrities find themselves embroiled in a wide array of lawsuits. Here’s a look at this past week’s celebrity lawsuits and legal settlements.

Recently filed lawsuits

Cecchi Gori Pictures is suing legendary director Martin Scorsese in connection with a movie that Scorsese promised to direct but has put off for almost a decade. Scorsese originally agreed to make the film in question, Silence, in 2004. Lawyers for Cecchi Gori Pictures are demanding a settlement of $1.5 million plus the producer’s fee and a significant percentage of the director’s earnings from blockbuster family movie Hugo.

R&B artists Chris Brown and Drake have been sued by a model who alleges that he was injured during a fight involving the two stars in a New York City nightclub. Attorneys for the model, Romain Julien, have accused Chris Brown of inciting the fight with Drake that resulted in injuries to Julien, who maintains that he was an innocent bystander. Julien’s attorney are suing the stars for $16 million in actual and punitive damages.

A burglar who broke into rapper LL Cool J’s house in L.A. may face life in prison under California’s Three Strikes Law. Jonathan Kirby, 56, was arrested and charged with residential burglary.

In international news, singer Madonna has been sued by a group of Russian activists who were offended by her comments in support of gay rights at a recent St. Petersburg concert. The lawyer for the anti-gay activists notes that the plaintiffs are seeking close to $10.5 million in damages.

Recently settled lawsuits

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes settled their divorce in early July, and now details regarding the settlement have leaked. Holmes is not receiving any monetary compensation aside from child support for the couple’s daughter, Suri. Divorce lawyers familiar with the case note that Cruise had a strong prenuptial agreement in place. Katie Holmes is rumored to be walking away from the troubled marriage with nary a cent in spousal support. Under the child support agreement, Cruise is responsible for providing monthly child support and for paying all of Suri’s medical, educational and extracurricular costs.

R&B artist Usher has won custody of his two young sons, Raymond V and Nayvid, following a court battle with ex-wife Tameka Raymond. Usher was awarded primary care of the boys. Reports regarding the decision have been unclear as to how much time Raymond will be allowed to spend with the children.

Cyclist Lance Armstrong has chosen not to contest the U.S. Anti Doping Agency’s decision to strip him of all seven of his Tour De France titles. Armstrong says that he is ready to focus on his family and his other business enterprises.

“Desperate Housewives” star Nicolette Sheridan lost a court case that alleged that she was wrongfully fired from the popular show after its fifth season. The 2nd District Court of Appeal has barred Sheridan from receiving a new trial in connection with her wrongful termination lawsuit against ABC and Touchstone Television.