Movie heart-throb Leonardo DiCaprio could face a �31m legal battle over his alleged involvement in a fight.

An appeals court in Manhattan gave the go-ahead for the action being brought against The Beach star by screenwriter and actor Roger Wilson.

Wilson, 41, is suing DiCaprio, 26, and several others over an alleged attack against him in March 1998.

The appeals court dismissed accusations of assault levelled at DiCaprio but sustained a charge of "aiding and abetting an assault and battery".

DiCaprio's lawyer described the allegations as "utterly false" and added that he plans a "vigorous defence" for his client.

Girlfriend

The appeals court ruling upheld an earlier judgement made by a Manhattan court last year.

DiCaprio has been trying to have the case dismissed since then.

The alleged attack is said to have taken place outside New York's Asia de Cuba restaurant.

It is said to have followed an argument over Wilson's girlfriend at the time, Showgirls actress Elizabeth Berkley.

Wilson claims DiCaprio made advances towards Berkley which led to the actor inciting his colleagues to attack Wilson.

Wilson, who has appeared in many stage musicals, claims his singing career was ruined after he was hit in the throat.

He alleges that his larynx was "instantly and severely" damaged as well as other internal organs.

Wilson's lawyer Richard Zuckerman said he expects depositions in the case to start soon after the Christmas and New Year holidays.