Despite his seeming determination to balance his academic life and career, James Franco's former professor might prove otherwise.

Awe always escapes everyone upon hearing that the actor manages to do all his school work while shooting his recent blockbusters, "127 Hours" and "Rise of the Planet of the Apes".

However, NYU professor Jose Angel Santana claims that it is no mystery at all: the actor does not attend classes.

According to EW, the academician is suing the prestigious institution of "wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment", after he gave Franco a 'D'. The "Spider-Man" actor reportedly missed 12 out of 14 classes in his "Directing the Actor II" classes.

After the grading, Santana said that he was demoted, systematically isolated from the university and eventually denied reappointment.

Ouch.

If that wasn't bad enough, the professor took a stab on a few university staff who benefitted from their Franco connection. According to him, the actor hired another professor, Jay Anania, to write and direct "The Stare", with graduate film department chairperson John Tintori appearing in a cameo role.

The said film is a psychological thriller that's wrapping up production this month.

"We have not seen the lawsuit yet, but the claims we are seeing in the media are ridiculous," shared a university spokesman through a statement. "Beyond that, it is regrettable and disappointing to see a faculty member - former or otherwise - discuss any student's grade for the purpose of personal publicity."

Santana also points out that Franco sort of mocked him in interviews regarding the 'D' grade. In an interview with SHOWBIZ411, the actor admitted that he actually missed Santana's classes due to the production of "127 Hours".

He goes on calling the professor "a decent guy", but the slightest tinge of ridicule we can make out is his reference to a documentary by method actor Sanford Meisner where Santana was "railed on" when appeared in a cameo.

Franco hasn't commented yet, but we're guessing he doesn't appreciate this smear campaign (if ever) people do to his stance on studying.

"Going to school is not a performance," he meaningfully tells The Guardian.