Poor Lindsay Lohan

Georgia Rule, directory Gary Marshall says he was behind the letter to Lindsay Lohan for missing work last summer reports PEOPLE

"Once somebody walks on my set, it's my problem, but we can't go chasing them," Gary Marshall said Tuesday at the movie's New York City premiere. "This film is low-budget. We can't lose days. ... Tough love is a part of this business – she missed a day on the second week of shooting."

So at Marshall's request, Morgan Creek Productions chief James G. Robinson sent Lohan a stern letter calling her absences from the set "irresponsible and unprofessional" and blaming her "all-night heavy partying" for her "so-called 'exhaustion.' " The letter quickly made headlines when it was posted on The Smoking Gun's Web site.

"Jim wrote the memo, and she came the next day and we were fine," Marshall said.

When asked about a recent video that allegedly shows Lohan, 20, using cocaine, Marshall said, "Any publicity is good publicity, but in this case, I think it distorts what a good actress Lindsay is."