It’s day two of the New Orleans trial between Kevin Costner and Stephen Baldwin over lost profits from an oil company deal.
Baldwin sued Costner at the end of 2010 because he felt that the Waterworld actor duped him into selling his stake in Costner’s company that helped clean up oil spills. After selling off his 10% share, BP bought up the company’s machines for $52 million and Baldwin thinks Costner intentionally forced him out to make more money!
We’re not sure what’s true, but Costner has referred to his former friend’s claims as “frivolous” and “upsetting”, while vehemently denying any shady business dealings.
Obviously Baldwin thinks he has enough evidence to convince the court otherwise and is seeking $20 million in damages!
Today lawyers focused on text and email message exchanges between both actors before BP gave Costner’s company an advancement of $18 million for the water separation devices that were used to clean up the worst oil spill in history.
Baldwin’s attorney has told sources he intends to prove that Costner and his associates repeatedly lied about the business deal to purposely exclude his client from profiting.
It’s hard to think of Kevin Costner as anything but a good guy. However, we’ll keep an open mind and wait until all the facts come out before we assume either party has taken advantage of the other.
[Image via WENN.]