Brando, ex-aide settle lawsuit

Lawyers for Oscar-winning actor Marlon Brando and his former personal assistant have agreed to settle a lawsuit involving a contentious $185,000 gift, according to court documents.

The case brought by Caroline Barrett will be dismissed following successful completion of terms of the settlement agreement. The notice of settlement, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, is expected to be finalized in about 60 days.

Barrett, who quit working for Brando in 2001, filed a lawsuit in February 2003 claiming the actor tried to retaliate by seeking repayment of $185,000 that she said was given as a gift, documents said.

Barrett, who says she had worked for Brando since 1976, said the money was to buy a London home in the mid-1980s. According to her court filings, Brando legally adopted her daughter, Petra, in 1981 and wanted the child to be educated in England.