Actress and model Bai Ling has generated a considerable amount of publicity after she accused filmmaker George Lucas of cutting out her small role in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith because of an upcoming nude spread in Playboy magazine.Ling was supposed to appear as Senator Bana Breemu, but the scene was removed from the final edit of the film, which is due to arrive at American movie theaters on May 19th.

“I posed for Playboy, and it may have been doing that which upset George Lucas, the Star Wars creator and director,” Ling told the New York Post.

Lucas did not specifically explain the reason for the cut scene, but his comments in an interview on the TV show Access Hollywood seem to suggest that the cut was made purely for artistic reasons.

“My daughter is in that same scene,” said Lucas. “My daughter was cut as well.”

Lucas pointed out that a number of scenes didn’t make it past the cutting room floor. Company representatives have said the scene was cut a year ago.

Ling’s spread in Playboy, however, has not been cut, and it will appear in the June issue of the magazine. In a previous interview, Ling expressed some reservations about her Playboy shoot.

“For me it’s a little too provocative. It’s not porno, but it’s . . . I’m an actress, I shouldn’t be doing this,” Ling told Village Voice writer Michael Musto.

Ling also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to appear nude.

“The human body is a gift and needs to be cherished and celebrated, so I’m honored. I always imagine Playboy is beautiful blonde girls with big boobs. Whatever I have is natural, so I’m grateful they think I’m sexy.”

Even though Ling will not appear in Star Wars, she is still using her connection to the film to generate discussion and publicity. According to Ling, the experience has been mostly positive.

“I feel like, no matter what, I am grateful for the experience of shooting the movie. It’s a great gift to get this glimpse of this phenomenon — the fans and the films of Star Wars,” Ling said.

“Being in Playboy and with what has happened with Star Wars, I have learned to appreciate my life. Everything, even things you don’t like, happens for a reason.”