Arbitrator accepts Jeremy Piven's sushi explanation

By Eriq Gardner

An arbitrator has ruled that Jeremy Piven didn't breach his contract when he bowed out of the play "Speed the Plow" for health-related reasons.

The story became an international sensation last year when Piven's health excuse was elevated levels of mercury in his blood. Piven said a possible cause might have been eating too much raw fish.

Broadway producers didn't like the sushi excuse and brought the situation to a panel comprised of the Actors Equity and the Broadway League. In March, the panel split 5-to-5, and the producer of the play exercised an option under labor rules to bring the matter to an independent arbitrator.

Now, according to the Actors Equity Association, the labor union representing actors and stage managers in theater, the arbitrator has ruled in favor of Piven.

The star of "Entourage" said in a statement, "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."