Film producer blames Lohan absence on 'partying'

LOS ANGELES - American actress Lindsay Lohan has been accused of "heavy partying" by a producer of her latest movie after a series of late arrivals and absences from the set that her spokeswoman said was due to illness.

"You and your representatives have told us that your various late arrivals and absences from the set have been the result of illness; today we were told it was 'heat exhaustion,' James Robinson, chief executive of Morgan Creek Productions, wrote in a letter that was made public today.

"We are well aware that your ongoing all night heavy partying is the real reason for your so called 'exhaustion.' We refuse to accept bogus excuses for your behaviour," Robinson added.

Lohan's publicist was not immediately available to comment.

A Morgan Creek spokesman told Reuters the letter posted on celebrity media websites was authentic, but he declined to comment beyond what was written.

Robinson's letter called the star's behaviour "discourteous, irresponsible and unprofessional," and said Morgan Creek will pursue "full monetary damages" and "other action" to keep the production of the movie Georgia Rule going if her bad behaviour continues.

Lohan, 20, burst onto Hollywood's radar at age 11 after she was cast in 1998's Disney movie The Parent Trap. She went on to star in several Disney productions for cable TV, and has starred in movies Freaky Friday and Mean Girls.

In recent years, Lohan has found herself on the cover of magazines, and her life has become fodder for paparazzi and gossip columnists who reported on her late night partying.

- REUTERS