Stone drops surgery 'slur' case

Stone had accused the doctor of making false claims

Actress Sharon Stone has dropped a libel lawsuit against a plastic surgeon in return for him performing charity work, the doctor's lawyers have said.

The Basic Instinct actress sued in Los Angeles in December 2004, accusing Renato Calabria of falsely informing magazines he had given her a face-lift.

Ms Stone, 47, said she "prides herself not only on her acting ability", but also on her "natural appearance".

Dr Calabria's lawyers denied he had made any claims about Ms Stone.

"It became plain to all parties that the lawsuit was the result of a misunderstanding," said Dr Calabria's lawyer Kevin Leichter.

"Dr Calabria did not perform plastic surgery on Ms Stone."

Reputation claim

The legal case centred around articles in two American publications - US Weekly and In Touch magazine - which raised the question of whether Stone had plastic surgery and suggested it was carried out by Dr Calabria.

I think Ms Stone did the honourable thing, and I think that Dr Calabria did an honourable thing, too Kevin Leichter Renato Calabria's lawyer

The surgeon's lawyers said he was quoted discussing a technique he innovated, and the articles speculated that the actress had undergone the procedure.

The case sought unspecified damages for allegations Ms Stone said damaged her reputation.

Ms Stone has now filed papers in Los Angeles County Superior Court dismissing her complaint, Dr Calabria's lawyers said.

Dr Calabria will provide free surgery for a charity representing children with facial deformities that the actress works with.

"I think Ms Stone did the honourable thing, and I think that Dr Calabria did an honourable thing, too," said Mr Leichter.