Bruce Willis settles extortion lawsuit against childhood friend

Bruce Willis has settled a lawsuit filed against a childhood friend over allegations the man tried to extort at least $100,000 (EUR 77,000) from the actor, Willis' publicist said.

Photo: Bruce Willis settles extortion lawsuit against childhood friend

The lawsuit filed in August accused Bruce DiMattia, who was hired to maintain Willis' personal items and memorabilia, of extortion and violation of privacy.

The lawsuit claimed DiMattia "was overcome by greed and jealous of his former friend's success" and threatened to disclose personal information about the star unless Willis bought him a car and paid him $100,000, reports AP.

Willis' publicist Paul Bloch issued a statement Tuesday that said Willis and DiMattia had reached a settlement and that their dispute was "amicably resolved."

"The filing of the lawsuit by Bruce Willis against Bruce DiMattia was based on a regrettable misunderstanding and was based on misinformation," the statement said. "Bruce Willis wishes Bruce DiMattia the best of luck in the future and Bruce DiMattia wishes him the same."

The name of DiMattia's attorney was not immediately known, and there was no telephone listing for DiMattia in the Los Angeles area.