Bull: CBS Boss Defends Renewing Controversial Michael Weatherly-Fronted Drama
Paul Dailly
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There was a dark cloud hanging over Bull's future at CBS after it emerged that series star, Michael Weatherly, was accused of sexual harassment by former co-star Eliza Dushku.
CBS president of entertainment, Kelly Kahl has opened up about the controversial decision to renew the decently rated drama.
“Michael made a mistake,” Kahl revealed to reporters on Wednesday morning.
“He owned that mistake… he was apologetic at the time; he was remorseful… [Michael was open to] take whatever coaching or training necessary to create a positive environment on set."
He continued, "He took everything very seriously and wanted to move forward."
Related: Steven Spielberg, Amblin TV Bail Following Bull Renewal
“When we looked at the totality of the situation,” Kahl continued, “we felt comfortable bringing it back on the air.”
Dushku reached a $9.5 million settlement with CBS when she complained about Weatherly's behavior.
The New York Times confirmed last December that Dusku was swiftly let go from the series after turning to executives to voice her concerns about the way she was being treated on the set of the series.
The $9.5 million is said to be the equivalent of what Dushku would have earned if she stayed with the show for four seasons.
Related: CBS Renews Bull, Madam Secretary and More!
The actress claimed that Weatherly made lewd comments about her appearance, such as "here comes legs" when she showed up to the set, and he allegedly went as far as suggesting that she wanted to have a threesome with him and a male crew member, among other things.
When news of the settlement went public, Weatherly denied that he had anything to do with Dushku's firing, but he confirmed he did act in a manner that was “both not funny and not appropriate,” adding, “I am sorry and regret the pain this caused Eliza.”
When the renewal was announced just days ago, it was announced that Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television was severing ties with the show.
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Remember you can watch Bull online right here via TV Fanatic.
Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.
