Tim Burton will face ex in court

Director Tim Burton will have to face trial in a lawsuit by ex-girlfriend Lisa Marie that alleges she was cheated out of assets he promised her during their long-term relationship, a judge ruled Friday.

The question of whether Marie and Burton had an oral agreement supporting her claims is a triable issue of fact, L.A. Superior Court Judge Teresa Sanchez-Gordon ruled.

Burton’s lawyer, Joseph Mannis, had argued that the agreement, if it occurred, was not relevant because the settlement Marie signed released Burton from any further obligations.

Trial is scheduled Aug. 11.