Mischa Barton tells Josh Schwartz “no” - as loudly as she possibly can.

A DUI and possession of marijuana tainted Mischa Barton’s wholesome image. She needed some good press quickly. What better press than to be wooed by a hit series - and then say no?

Reportedly, that’s what happened to Mischa Barton.

Insiders say that Barton created the drama to give the impression that she was in demand. True or not, she did herself no favors. Now, instead of a pot-toting, drunk-driving actress, many consider her a pot-toting, drunk-driving prima donna…

(Image: Newscom)

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With all of the talk circulating this week about Mischa Barton turning down the role of Serena’s friend, Georgina, on Gossip Girl (including the manner in which she did it), it makes me wonder who else the producers might be contemplating to take her place?

Here are some thoughts:

1, It could be a new face, one that we haven’t seen before.  Not as great for ratings, but no preconceived notions attached.

2, Vanessa Hudgens.  Why not have a real bad girl off screen playing a good girl on screen shake things up a bit?  I think she’d be great for ratings.

3, Alexis Bledel.  The former Gilmore Girl has acted with star Blake Lively before (in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies) and they made a great duo.  Why not reunite them?<

4, Rihanna.  She’s done music for the show - why not try her hand at acting?  She’d be great publicity for the show and also add a new type of face.  The show has thus far been heavily criticized for its lack of minority actors in starring roles.

5, Paris Hilton.  Just because the notion is so funny… it’s funny.

Who do you think would make a good addition?

Is there something more to reports that Mischa Barton was offered - and turned down - a role on Gossip Girl?

Michael Ausiello at TV Guide is reporting that Mischa’s camp didn’t bother to advise Gossip Girl producers Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz that she was turning down the role. Rather, her reps told the media in a very public manner that she would not be taking the role.

Apparently, theories abound that this is all about publicity. Mischa’s reputation isn’t so great these days following charges for DUI and possession of marijuana. Insiders guess that Misca’s reps wanted the rumor to circulate in the media to make it look like the actress was still in demand.

Ugh. If true, it’s pretty awful.

Will Mischa Barton join Gossip Girl?

Sorry folks, but it appears that it’s just a rumor after all. Mischa’s rep officially squelched the hype-to-be by saying, “She will not be on the show. She was approached, but her reps passed.”

TV Guide had reported that it was “100% true” and that the actress would be playing Georgina Sparks, an old friend of Serena. Hmm… Blake and Mischa together? The blondeness would almost be too much to contemplate, no?

Maybe Mischa has bigger fish to fry. She has been officially charged with a DUI and possession of marijuana - misdemeanor charges, which is lucky for her.

What do you think? Will she reconsider after the legal woes pass? Would Mischa be a good fit for Gossip Girl or too much of a distraction? Vote in the poll in the sidebar!

Blake Lively recently attended the “VIVA LA CURE” Benefit for EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

The Women’s Cancer Research Fund, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, was established to support innovative research, education, and outreach for the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women’s cancers. Prior CW actresses involved in the EIF effort include The OC’s Mischa Barton and Gilmore Girls‘ Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel.

You can see more photos from the event here.