Freddy Rodriguez and Glenn Gordon Caron have been forced to leave the CBS legal drama series after the network launched an investigation following the exit of multiple writers.
- May 24, 2021
AceShowbiz - "Bull" actor Freddy Rodriguez and showrunner Glenn Gordon Caron have been dumped from the legal drama series ahead of its upcoming sixth season following an internal workplace investigation.
Network chiefs at CBS Studios launched the probe following the exit of multiple writers following the end of production on season five, and now officials have cut ties with Caron and ended his overall deal with the broadcaster, while also ousting Rodriguez, who played Benny Colon, from the show.
CBS representatives have not provided specific details about the investigation itself, and publicists for Caron and Rodriguez have yet to comment on their exits.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, writers Kathryn Price and Nichole Millard have since been handed the reins of the series as co-showrunners for season six, which was ordered in April (21).
"Bull" previously hit headlines for questionable behind-the-scenes conduct in late 2018, when actress Eliza Dushku accused show lead Michael Weatherly of multiple instances of sexual harassment.
In an op-ed for The Boston Globe, Dushku claimed she had confronted Weatherly about his "bad behaviour," but her character was subsequently written off the series by Caron.
Weatherly subsequently expressed regret for the "jokes" he made to Dushku, insisting he "immediately apologised" for having offended her with his inappropriate language.
Shortly after the scandal, producer Steven Spielberg severed ties with the show while Weatherly remained as the series was picked up for a new season.
CBS boss defended the decision to renew the show amid the controversy. "It's a very popular show," Kelly Kahl said back then. "More than 10 million people watch every week. Michael is loved by our audience and even after these allegations came out people continued to watch... It's a very good show as well."
