"Black Swan" production company sues former president

There’s real drama behind the blockbuster movie “Black Swan.”

The company that was originally behind the production of the film starring Natalie Portman, filed a $10 million lawsuit on Thursday against its former president, Aaron Kaufman, saying he fouled up the film’s financing and a producer credit on the movie.

Rick Schwartz, head of Overnight LLC, charges that Kaufman “misrepresented” himself in business dealings on behalf of the film and that he left the company in the middle of production to start his own firm, leaving Overnight strapped with debt, according to the suit filed in Manhattan federal court.

Schwartz also reportedly claims that Kaufman exposed the company to legal problems by pursuing a sexual relationship with an employee.

Kaufman said Thursday that the claims are baseless and that he plans to countersue Schwartz for libel.

The movie has gained early Oscar buzz after being nominated for four Golden Globe awards, including best drama.

(Reuters)