Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty
Actress and showrunner Frankie Shaw has been accused of misconduct and contractual violations on the set of her Showtime series,SMILF.
In a statement toVariety, however, ABC Studios said it had investigated the misconduct allegations against Shaw and concluded that there had been no wrongdoing on Shaw’s part.
Frankie Shaw.Claire Folger/SHOWTIME
“I work daily to create an environment in which everyone should feel safe, and in which I can continue to grow as a leader and manager. I am now and always have been open to hearing and addressing all concerns and issues that fall within my control. It pains me to learn that anyone felt uncomfortable on my set. I sincerely hope we can work together to resolve any and all issues, as I am committed to creating a workplace in which all people feel safe and heard,” Shaw concluded her statement.
Samara Weaving, an actress who plays Nelson Rose in the show’s first and upcoming second season, reportedly made two claims against Shaw.
In one incident, during the first season, Weaving claimed she objected to filming a nude scene. Shaw allegedly told her that she understood how nude scenes could be stressful and spoke of demands made of her in the past, according toDeadline, which also reported that Shaw, who was wearing a bra, pulled up her own T-shirt and showed Weaving how giving birth had altered her own body, explaining that she still did nude scenes when required.
Miguel Gomez and Samara Weaving.Lacey Terrell/SHOWTIME
A rep for O’Donnell did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Rosie O’Donnell, Samara Weaving, Raven Goodwin and Frankie Shaw.Claire Folger/SHOWTIME
“We are not attempting to make excuses or minimize the fact that Samara felt uncomfortable and that we fell short of our intentions to protect her privacy,”SMILFexecutive producer Michael London toldDeadline. “All we can do is apologize to her and make the necessary changes to make sure it never happens again. This isn’t a small matter to Frankie. She’s an outspoken voice for female empowerment and affording women more opportunities to tell their stories. She herself experienced pressure from male directors to participate in uncomfortable sex scenes earlier in her career.”
ABC Signature Studios and Showtime declined to comment.
Weaving was released from her contract at her request and is not expected to join the show for a potential third season,Varietyreported.
source: people.com
