NEW YORK — Jeremy Piven's love for sushi has him hooked in a showdown.
The producers of Broadway's "Speed-the-Plow" have filed a claim against the actor after he abruptly left their play in December, citing health concerns over high levels of mercury in his system.
The grievance was filed with Actors' Equity Association, the union which handles Broadway performers, according to The Associated Press.
When reached by AP for comment, Piven's publicist, Samantha Mast, called the claims "absurd and outrageous."
"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," Mast said in a statement.
Shortly after Piven's announced departure, playwright David Mamet expressed skepticism about the star's condition.
"I talked to Jeremy on the phone, and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury," Mamet told Variety. "So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer."
But Piven's physician, Dr. Carlton Colker, assured Access Hollywood that the 43-year-old actor's stage exit was his call.
"I'm the one who pulled the plug," said Colker. "He was a voracious sushi eater... He ate sushi twice a day for years."
"Speed-the-Plow" opened on Oct. 23 and is scheduled to run through Feb. 22.
William H. Macy is currently starring in Piven's role.
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