Decision Reached in Jeremy Piven/Speed-the-Plow Arbitration

A decision has been reached in favor of Jeremy Piven and Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) in regards to the dispute over the actor’s early exit from the Broadway revival of Speed-the-Plow, which was filed by that show’s producers. According to a statement released today, “The decision acknowledges that Mr. Piven did not breach his individual employment contract nor did he breach the Equity-League collective bargaining contract.”

Piven, who played Bobby Gould, left the production unexpectedly in mid-December claiming he become seriously ill from mercury poisoning and could not continue, because of possible dire consequences. After Piven’s departure, the role of Bobby was played by Jordan Lage, Norbert Leo Butz, and William H. Macy. The show eventually recouped its entire investment before its planned closing on February 22.