Meryl Streep is upset.

Reason: Rumours suggest that the Oscar-winner's performance in an upcoming film is based on Senator Hillary Clinton.

The actress has strongly denied these reports.

Streep plays a manipulative senator obsessed with seeing her son become president in Jonathan Demme's remake of The Manchurian Candidate.

Streep was 'disturbed' to hear the rumours. She said she had also heard another report that Paramount Studio heads had asked her to tone down in scenes where her performance was 'too much' like the former first lady.

The original 1962 film had Angela Lansbury enacting Streep's role.

An agitated Streep called these reports 'misinformation' and 'high-stakes games' to manipulate public opinion.

Though the actress does admit her performance is inspired by a well-known personality, she has refused to identify her.

Photograph: Getty Images