$10-Million Claim Disputed by MGM-Pathe : Lawsuits: The firm called an involuntary bankruptcy petition filed against it “ridiculous” and pledged to seek damages against the petitioners.

MGM-Pathe Communications Co. said Monday that it disputes more than $8 million in claims filed against it last week in an involuntary bankruptcy petition.

An MGM-Pathe spokesman called the petition, filed by six creditors who contend that they are owed more than $10 million, “ridiculous.” He said the financially troubled movie and television studio will “vigorously attack” the claim and seek court sanctions and damages against the petitioners.

The petition for involuntary bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code was filed by attorney Stephen Chrystie.

MGM-Pathe said Chrystie refused to disclose the names of the creditors and the nature of their claims prior to the filing.

An MGM-Pathe spokesman said Chrystie was afraid the company would pay the creditors.

“Anybody who would believe that press release would make a good customer for the Brooklyn Bridge,” Chrystie said in response to the MGM-Pathe statement.

Chrystie dismissed the idea of penalties against his clients as an attempt to dissuade other creditors from filing petitions. He also said MGM-Pathe appeared to support the validity of his filing by not disputing the claims of three creditors in the group.

Three creditors with debts in excess of $5,000 are normally required to support an involuntary bankruptcy petition.

In its response to Chrystie’s filing, MGM-Pathe said a $6.1-million claim filed by Concorde-New Horizons Corp., a production company headed by Roger Corman, is already the subject of a separate court case. MGM-Pathe also said smaller claims filed by Kristan & Co. and Century Insurance Ltd. are not MGM-Pathe obligations.

It did not address the claims filed by Levy-Gardner-Laven Productions, the Theatrical and Television Motion Picture Special Payments Fund and Bill Lanese Advertising & Public Relations.

The bankruptcy dispute comes as MGM-Pathe is negotiating for a $250-million loan from its chief lender, Paris-based Credit Lyonnais. The company said Credit Lyonnais has guaranteed that it will be able to fund its existing payables and ongoing operations.