Scorsese calls Cecchi Gori lawsuit 'absurd'

Martin Scorsese has issued a response to producer Cecchi Gori's lawsuit, filed Wednesday, which claims the Oscar-winner failed to direct "Silence," the long gestating adaptation of the Shusako Endo novel. Cecchi Gori Pictures claims Scorsese agreed to direct the bigscreen drama after completing "Hugo" this past year but after the helmer announced "The Wolf of Wall Street" as his next film, Gori took legal action against Scorsese and his production company Sikelia Productions.

Scorsese's reps call the lawsuit "absurd" and a "media stunt."

Read the full statement:

“It is shocking to us that the lawyers for Cecchi Gori Pictures would file a suit pursuing such absurd claims considering the amicable working relationship existing between Martin Scorsese and the principals of Cecchi Gori Pictures.The claims asserted are completely contradicted by, inconsistent with, and contrary to the express terms of an agreement entered into by the parties last year.

The lawsuit filing on the eve of Mr. Scorsese starting another picture has all the earmarks of a media stunt.

Mr. Scorsese is confident that he will prevail in court should Cecchi Gori Pictures actually pursue this meritless action.”