Burton, ex-girlfriend fighting over assets

Burton, ex-girlfriend
fighting over assets

LOS ANGELES — Mediation talks collapsed between Tim Burton and his ex-girlfriend, who claims she was cheated out of her rights to assets that the director promised her during their nearly decade-long relationship, attorneys said. The legal fight is scheduled to play out before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Harold I. Cherness on Aug. 12.

Lisa Marie, a former Calvin Klein model, met Burton at a club in 1991 and went on to star in several of his movies while the couple lived together. Burton broke up with her nearly 10 years later.

In December 2006, Marie sued Burton, saying he promised her that they would “combine their efforts and earnings and would share equally any and all” accumulated property. The lawsuit also claimed that Burton said he would financially support her for the rest of her life.

According to court papers filed by Burton’s lawyer, the director gave Marie $5 million to sign a contract releasing him from any further claims to his assets. He maintained that if she wanted to rescind the contract, she was obligated to return the money.

The director cast Marie in several of his films, including “Ed Wood,” “Mars Attacks!” and “Planet of the Apes.” It was while filming the “Planet of the Apes” remake in 2001 that Burton met Helena Bonham Carter.

Burton and Carter eventually became a couple. The actress gave birth in December to her second child with the 49-year-old director.

Smith aims for more

BERLIN — Patti Smith concedes to being a “great punk-rock guitar player,” but says she aspires to much more.

Smith, who wowed reporters with an impromptu version of “My Blakean Year,” on Saturday at the Berlin Film Festival — where Steven Sebring’s documentary about her, “Dream of Life,” is in competition — insisted that she and her music transcend many genres.

Sebring’s film covers nearly 12 years of Smith’s life and is narrated by the artist herself. Filming with no lighting, assistants or equipment other than his 16-millimeter camera, became “like a drug,” he said.

Today’s birthdays

Actor Leslie Nielsen is 82. Actor Conrad Janis is 80. Actress Tina Louise is 74. Actor Burt Reynolds is 72. Songwriter Gerry Goffin is 69. Bandleader Sergio Mendes is 67. Rhythm-and-blues singer Otis Clay is 66. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt is 57. Actor Philip Anglim is 56. Actress Catherine Hickland is 52. Rock musician David Uosikkinen (The Hooters) is 52. Actress Carey Lowell is 47. Singer Sheryl Crow is 46. Actress Jennifer Aniston is 39. Actor Damian Lewis is 37. Actress Marisa Petroro is 36. Singer D’Angelo is 34. Actor Brice Beckham is 32. Rock MC/vocalist Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park) is 31. Singer-actress Brandy is 29. Actor Matthew Lawrence is 28. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kelly Rowland is 27. Actress Q’orianka Kilcher is 18. Actor Taylor Lautner is 16.