Robert De Niro's claim declined

Jun 19, 2007, 13:00 GMT

Robert de Niro, participates in a painting exhibition of works of his father in Lisbon Village Festival, 07 June 2007. EPA/INÁCIO ROSA

Robert De Niro's request to dismiss a lawsuit brought against him by an insurance company has been declined.

The Oscar-winning actor's motion, which was filed on May 18, was denied by district judge Manuel Real.

De Niro remains optimistic about winning his court battle against the Fireman's Fund Insurance Co.

His lawyer Robyn Crowther said: "We are still confident that we will prevail."

The star has been accused of misrepresenting his health on a movie production insurance form.

Court documents revealed De Niro was diagnosed with prostate cancer on October 15, 2003.

His diagnosis and treatment delayed the production of his movie 'Hide and Seek' - which was insured by Fireman's Fund. The insurance company paid Fox more than $1.8 million to cover the cost of the delay.

Two days before the diagnosis, the 63-year-old actor signed a medical certificate requested by Fireman's Fund, stating he had never been diagnosed or treated for any prostate disorder.

De Niro underwent a prostate gland biopsy on October 10.

Fireman's Fund filed a complaint against De Niro in October 2006, claiming he "failed to fully disclose information which was critical to our decision to offer insurance coverage".

De Niro insisted the lawsuit should "never have been filed".

A hearing to decide if the case will be transferred back to state court has been set for July 2.

(C) BANG Media International