Photog sues Diaz for breach over nude photos

Photographer John Rutter, awaiting trial on charges of forgery, perjury and attempted grand theft over disputed nude photographs of actress Cameron Diaz, has filed a breach of contract action against the star for $10 million.

Rutter photographed Diaz before stardom hit in films The Mask, There’s Something About Mary, and Charlie’s Angels. The photos, together with what is described as an "R-rated" "softcore" video, appear to be genuine, and Rutter has a signed model release. Diaz and the prosecutor’s office, however, claim that the release is forged. Diaz says the understanding was that the photos would never be published.

Rutter offered the photos to Diaz for $3.3 million; Hustler magazine has reportedly offered $3.5 million for them.