Jeremy Piven Cleared in Sushi Scandal

Entourage star Jeremy Piven spoke of his joy yesterday as he was cleared of dumping a Broadway show in a scandal dubbed 'Sushi-gate'. Piven quit Speed-the-Plow 11 weeks before his run was due to end, blaming illness from high levels of mercury from eating too much sushi. But play bosses never bought his story and, amid numerous mocking headlines about the star, went to the Actors' Equity union accusing him of breaching his contract. But now an arbitrator has ruled that Piven did not breach his contract. Piven said: "I'm pleased with the outcome of the arbitration and to be completely vindicated in this matter, based on the facts and the medical evidence." Speed-the-Plow producers said: "While we respect the decision, we strongly disagree with it. "We remain eternally grateful to everyone who helped make the wonderful production of 'Speed- the-Plow' possible, especially the artists who created it, and the many who had to deal with very difficult and trying circumstances." Piven, 44, sped away from "Speed-the-Plow" in December - saying he was exhausted. Although he blamed high levels of mercury, sceptics suggested his penchant for staying out late at night in New York more likely caused his fatigue. His departure tanked ticket sales and left angry producers scrambling for a replacement.
Published 8/28/09 by

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