The war of words between Peter Brant, owner of Interview magazine, and recently ousted editorial director Glenn O’Brien escalated yesterday when Brant Publications sued O’Brien, claiming he breached a confidentiality agreement when he talked to the media about the company’s troubled finances.

O’Brien was ousted after months of acrimony with the owners. “They owe money to people all over the world,” said O’Brien. “Attacking me is not going to solve their problems.”