JEREMY PIVEN - PIVEN HITS BACK AT PLAY PRODUCERS

PIVEN HITS BACK AT PLAY PRODUCERS

Actor JEREMY PIVEN has hit back at the producers of New York play SPEED-THE-PLOUGH after theatre bosses filed an official complaint over his departure from the show.
The Entourage star abruptly quit the David Mamet play in December (08) just seven weeks after making his Broadway debut, claiming he was forced to withdraw on doctor's orders as he had fallen ill with mercury poisoning.
The producers of the play have filed a complaint with Actors' Equity, the union which represents theatre actors, meaning the star could face an investigation over his withdrawal.
Producer Jeffrey Richards says, "The producers of Speed-the-plow have officially filed a grievance with Actors' Equity re: Jeremy Piven's departure. A date for these proceedings is to be determined."
But a representative for Piven has slammed theatre bosses' decision to approach the union, insisting he had a legitimate reason for leaving the show.
His publicist, Samantha Mast, tells TMZ, "The claims made by the producers of Speed-the-Plow are absurd and outrageous. Mr. Piven's serious medical condition has been well documented by multiple physicians. He withdrew from the play due to medical necessity on the advice of his doctors, after he was hospitalised and warned by his physicians that enforced rest was necessary in order to avoid serious medical problems, including a heart attack."
William H. MACy took over Piven's role of an ambitious Hollywood producer in the production on Tuesday (13Jan09).