Producers file complaint against Piven

The producers of Broadway play Speed-The-Plow have filed an official complaint against Jeremy Piven following his departure from the show last year.

The Entourage star quit the production in December, saying that he was suffering from mercury poisoning caused by eating too much sushi.

An investigation into his premature departure was reportedly launched, and now the show's producers have officially filed a grievance with Actors' Equity, the union that handles Broadway actors.

However, a representative for Piven has called the claims "absurd and outrageous", telling TMZ: "[He] withdrew from the play due to medical necessity on the advice of his doctors.

"He was hospitalised and warned by his physicians that enforced rest was necessary in order to avoid serious medical problems, including a heart attack."

"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."

Last week, Piven defended his decision to leave the production, saying: "I fought the good fight, my doctors propped me up and then doctor's orders was enforced rest."

Fargo star William H. Macy is currently playing Piven's role in the show, which runs until February 22.