Bette Midler has pulled out of the forthcoming HBO TV film based on Phil Spector‘s murder trial.
The singer, who was set to play Linda Kenney Baden, the producer’s defence lawyer in his first trial for the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson, has dropped out of filming after suffering a herniated disc.
Her role in the film, which also stars Al Pacino as Spector, will be recast, reports BBC News.
“I am heartbroken to be forced to leave this terrific project,” Midler said in a statement. “Working with [film director] David Mamet and Al Pacino was a dream of mine.
“But the pain I am in has made my participation impossible. My heartfelt thanks to everyone for their kind understanding.”
The film will explore Baden and Spector‘s relationship during the first court case, which was declared a mistrial in 2007 after jurors were deadlocked.
Spector was given a 19-years-to-life jail sentence in May 2009 for the murder of Clarkson, after a second trial.