Mischa Barton’s family has hit out at reports that the actress’s 19-year-old sister suffered a drug overdose over the holiday period.

According to a U.S. tabloid, Hania Barton was rushed to Los Angeles' Ceder's Sinai Medical Center on December 27th suffering from convulsions.

An insider told the National Enquirer: "The family bodyguard found her obviously overdosed on drugs, called her mother, and then rushed Hania to the emergency room.

It was a suicide attempt, and by the time she got to hospital, Hania was absolutely hysterical."

Hania reportedly confessed to overdosing on the muscle relaxer Soma.

In response to the story, a rep for the Barton family hurled this bitter rant in the direction of those reponsible for lifting the lid on the troubled sisters (via People):

"Mischa understands that as an actress and a public person she needs to address her issues in a timely and appropriate manner. That being said, she's the only public person in her family and we will not address these sleazy, tabloid reports.

"I think these pieces of s--- who work at hospitals and sell private information are not only breaking the law, but they're morally reprehensible. They're selling people's private information for the price of dinner for four at Lawry's. And I hope they choke on their prime rib."

So they’re not denying the story, then.

Mischa was taken to hospital last year after collapsing at a Hollywood party allegedly due to an adverse reaction to medication.

Then in December she was arrested and bailed on charges of DUI and drug possession.