Three-time Emmy Award winner Jeremy Piven attended an arbitration hearing Thursday to defend himself before the Broadway community. Jeremy Piven was brought up before Actors Equity by the producers of 'Speed-the-Plow' to explain why he exited the hit show in mid-December, just weeks after making his Broadway debut to rave reviews.At the time Jeremy Piven said it was because of fatigue brought on by high levels of mercury in his bloodstream. And the reason given for these elevated levels was sushi. The play's author, David Mamet, acidly remarked, "My understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer". Even Mark Wahlberg, exec producer of 'Entourage', mocked Piven for making this excuse when the pair attended the Golden Globe Awards in January. Both the show and Piven lost their bids.
At the hearing Jeremy Piven won over the five actors in attendance with his fish tale while the five producing representatives remained unconvinced. Faced with this deadlock, the producers of the show can now pursue arbitration against the actor.
While Piven may avoid any financial payout, his actions probably cost him a Tony Awards nomination. He had earned rave reviews when the play opened October 22 and was considered a strong contender for lead actor in a play.
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