Robert Downey Jr Let Go from Movie Role Following Drug Arrest

Robert Downey Jr, who is currently facing fresh drug allegations that may lead to his return to prison, has been removed from the cast of the upcoming film, America's Sweethearts.

Tom Sherak, one of the film's co-producers, has confirmed that they are actively seeking a replacement for Downey Jr as filming is set to commence in January.

Recent updates reveal that Downey Jr voluntarily admitted himself to Cedars Sinai Medical Centre due to depression after being apprehended during the Thanksgiving holiday for drug possession.

His court appearance is scheduled for December 27, leaving uncertainty for the producers of America's Sweethearts, which also features Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Sherak expressed the urgency to proceed with the production, expressing concern over what might unfold on December 27.

Reports also indicate that Downey Jr's removal from the film is attributed to his current uninsurability status.

If convicted, the actor known for his role in Chaplin could potentially face up to six years in prison.

These developments coincide with revelations from People magazine today, disclosing that Downey Jr had relapsed long before his Thanksgiving arrest.

Allegedly, an undisclosed source close to Downey Jr's ex-wife mentioned that the actor had been abusing substances intermittently since his release from prison in August.

The report further alleges that two weeks prior to his arrest, the 35-year-old star left his young son with an assistant late at night to procure drugs.

Downey Jr's spokesperson, Alan Nierob, refuted these claims.

Currently out on bail subsequent to his arrest, Downey Jr is finalizing his commitments on the TV series Ally McBeal.