The Latest on Mischa Barton's Gossip Gig

• Feb 29, 2008 04:34 PM ET
• by Michael Ausiello

Their ears didn't deceive them: Those whispers that Gawker.com overheard about Mischa Barton being approached for a part on Gossip Girl, I can now report, are 100 percent true. What isn't 100 percent is whether or not a deal will be struck for her to play the recurring role of Georgina Sparks, a scheme queen who brings Serena's checkered past screaming into her present - although it's looking more unlikely with each passing hour. Shortly after we posted this story, Barton's reps told US Weekly that she turned down the gig. My sources, however, have yet to confirm that.

The mere fact that Barton was even considered for the role suggests that if ever there was an ax to grind between Gossip monger Josh Schwartz, who killed Barton off of The O.C., and the starlet, that hatchet was buried along with the nubile body of Marissa Cooper.

So what do you think, peeps? Will Barton fit in with the Girls? Or would the show be better off looking at a lesser-known actress? - Additional reporting by Ben Katner