Piven Prevails in Contract Dispute

Jeremy Piven lost a role in a Broadway show to mercury poisoning, but he won the contract dispute over his abrupt departure. Months after Piven was forced to abandon his role in 'Speed-the-Plow,' a professional arbiter has ruled Piven did not his breach his contract with the Broadway producers for leaving the revival of the David Mamet play.

In December, Piven's doctor said the actor was suffering from mercury poisoning after eating too much fish.

Piven says in a statement that he's pleased with the outcome and says he's been vindicated.

The producers, meanwhile, expressed disappointment. They says they respect the decision, but strongly disagree with it.
 
At the time of Piven's departure, playwright David Mamet told Daily Variety, "I talked to Jeremy on the phone, and he told me that he discovered that he had a very high level of mercury. So my understanding is that he is leaving show business to pursue a career as a thermometer."

Piven is also known for playing Hollywood agent Ari on "Entourage."