Bull Shocker: Michael Weatherly Apologizes for Sexual Harrassment of Eliza Dushku

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Remember when Eliza Dushku was added to the cast of Bull with the aim of becoming a regular cast member? 

Many questioned why the actress was abruptly written off the series, and it's now becoming clear why. 

Per a report in the New York Times, Dushku took issue with several comments from the series star, Michael Weatherly and was let go from the show soon after voicing her concerns. 

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The actress was given a $9.5 million settlement and was never heard from on the show again. It is said the compensation was the equivalent of what she would have earned if she was signed on to the show for four seasons. 

Dushku claimed that Weatherly made comments about her appearance, such as "here comes legs" when she showed up to the procedural drama's set, and he allegedly went as far as suggesting that she wanted to have a threesome with him and a male crew member. 

The settlement was a confidential one which probably explains why there were no details about it ... until now. 

Weatherly released a statement to the New York Times in which he addressed the incident, but denied that he had anything to do with Dushku being let go from the show. 

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“During the course of taping our show, I made some jokes mocking some lines in the script. When Eliza told me that she wasn’t comfortable with my language and attempt at humor, I was mortified to have offended her and immediately apologized," he said.

"After reflecting on this further, I better understand that what I said was both not funny and not appropriate, and I am sorry and regret the pain this caused Eliza,” the former NCIS star continued.  

“It’s my recollection that I didn’t tell anyone how they should do their job regarding the hiring or firing of anybody.”

Dushku did not comment on the article, but CBS confirmed the settlement did exist, and that it would continue to improve working conditions. 

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“The allegations in Ms. Dushku’s claims are an example that, while we remain committed to a culture defined by a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace, our work is far from done,” the statement said.

“The settlement of these claims reflects the projected amount that Ms. Dushku would have received for the balance of her contract as a series regular, and was determined in a mutually agreed upon mediation process at the time.”

Okay, TV Fanatics. What are your thoughts on this?

Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.

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Bull Quotes

Bull: Rule #1: The client is the enemy.

Marisa: The client's here.
Bull: Tell me he didn't bring his lawyer.
Marisa: His five lawyers.