Dick Gregory Debts Top Million

BOSTON —  Former comedian Dick Gregory has told a federal court he can’t afford to repay an old friend $105,000 because he has other debts totaling more than $1 million.

U.S. District Judge Edward Harrington ordered Gregory to submit a financial affidavit by Friday.

Gregory, 58, of Plymouth, borrowed $40,000 in 1979 from Frank Nicholas II. Nicholas sued Gregory in 1987 to recover the loan plus interest, bringing the debt to $105,000.

Nicholas urged the court to find Gregory in contempt. However, Gregory said in court Monday that he can’t repay the debt because he also owes more than $1.2 million to the Internal Revenue Service, American Express, banks and other creditors.