Sexy actress SHARON STONE has confirmed ROBERT DOWNEY JR's drug arrest last weekend (26NOV00) took him out of the running to star in the BASIC INSTINCT sequel. Stone, who starred with MICHAEL DOUGLAS in the original thriller, admits producers were considering Downey - but changed their minds on hearing of his arrest in Palm Springs for alleged drug possession last weekend.

When asked if reports the actor would be in the movie were true, Stone replied, "I can tell you it's not true now." And the actress, who says she burst into tears when she heard of the CHAPLIN star's arrest, is predicting he'll be out of the Hollywood market for some time now.

Stone says, "I think he's one of the finest actors ever, but he's unavailable for his work now, he still has things to process in his life. "I know that there is an end and there is a way out and I believe in my heart that he will find that place. "I'm an enormous fan of his talent but I think people have to hit their bottom before they find their way out. Obviously he could not be a consideration for this movie at this time."

(LE/WNV/NFA)

Source: WENN