Mickey Rooney 'wore out the casting couch' and was 'abrasive and nasty,' new book alleges

Mickey Rooney is among the high-profile stars targeted in a new tell-all book, "True Confessions of a Shameless Gossip."

The late actor allegedly "wore out the casting couch," offering film roles (that often didn't actually exist) in exchange for sexual favors from young actresses, according to author Craig Bennett, who recounts his experiences with the Hollywood elite in the upcoming memoir.

“In person, Mickey could be blisteringly bombastic," Craig writes. "A former Hollywood PR friend of mine labeled Mickey abrasive, nasty, curt and rude."

Although the claims are salacious, Rooney was never known for being particularly monogamous: The actor was married a remarkable eight times over three decades, with each divorce followed very quickly by the next wedding. However, the characterization of him as "abrasive" and "rude" does contradict his public image.

The actor, who died at 93 in 2014, has a number of children and relatives who work in the entertainment industry. There's not yet been an official response to the book's allegations.

PHOTOS: Mickey Rooney through the years