Scarlett Johansson Hits Back at Andrew Lloyd Webber  8/21/06

Scarlett Johansson has hit back in her feud with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, claiming the composer used her to promote his British TV show.

Lord Lloyd-Webber claims he came up with the concept for new show How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? when the Lost in Translation star pulled out of playing the lead role in his London production of The Sound of Music.

In the BBC talent contest, Lord Lloyd-Webber has invited a host unknowns to compete to take over the role of Maria from Johansson.

But she insists she never agreed to take to the West End stage, and negotiated with Lord Lloyd-Webber over a year ago.

Her representative says, "Why is Scarlett's name being brought into the media mix now, so far after the face, when Mr Webber is trying to promote his reality show?

"I think we'll let you draw your own conclusions."