Jeremy Piven: Broadway Producers' Claims Are 'Outrageous'

"The claims made by the producers of Speed-the-Plow are absurd and outrageous," Piven's rep tells "The Insider." "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 hospitalized and warned by his physicians that enforced rest was necessary in order to avoid serious medical problems, including a heart attack.

"His symptoms included extreme fatigue, spacial problems, difficulty remembering his lines, difficulty maintaining his balance, and an alarmingly low resting heart rate. Mr. Piven followed his doctors' advice, although his forced withdrawal from the show was an enormous personal disappointment since it was a life-long dream to perform on Broadway.

"Although the producers had an opportunity to have Mr. Piven examined by their own physician, they never did so. The results of such an examination would have undoubtedly corroborated the conclusions of Mr. Piven's treating physicians and would have confirmed the medical necessity of his departure from the show.

"It is ironic that the producers have filed a Grievance against Mr. Piven, since if anyone has legal claims relating to this matter, it is Mr. Piven. Among other things, the production failed to pay his required compensation and he has been defamed in the media by their false accusations."

Speed-the-Plow producers filed a grievance with the Actors' Equity Association against Piven for leaving the play less two months after it premiered, says the Associated Press. William H. Macy of 'Fargo' fame has taken over Piven's starring role.

Published 1/16/09 by