Producer Paul Leydon Withdraws John Cusack "Prima Donna" Comment

The Australian film producer who called John Cusack a "prima donna" has retracted his comments about the actor saying he was "misconstrued."

After his comment regarding the "High Fidelity" star had made the headlines, Paul Leydon has been forced to recall what he said and insists that he didn't know he was being recorded when he was interviewed by a radio station in the country.

He says, "I feel terrible that I've said something about someone I have absolute admiration and respect for. I was said in a jovial way and I've been misconstrued. I'm honored to have met him and that he's in the film. I was joking around."

The local radio station had quoted Leydon - who is co-producing and co-writing "The Factory" in which Cusack stars - as saying, "John Cusack was one of my favorite actors until u met him.

"I have to say one thing - and this is my favorite line when people ask me what I think of John Cusack - he plays nice guys on film. So, read between the lines."

He also claimed that the actor was being paid a lot on the set but he wouldn't apologize if he kept everyone waiting for arriving two hours late on the set.

The said radio station is standing by their interview. Announcer Meshel Laurie tells Brisbane's The Courier Mail, "We were recording... and he volunteered the information."