We’d much rather be using this space to tell everyone to watch Showtime’s criminally overlooked comedy series “SMILF,” which just recently returned for Season 2, but instead, the series has been under fire recently for accusations of misconduct on set, stemming from interactions with the series’ star, writer, director, and showrunner Frankie Shaw. Now, a few weeks removed from the allegations, Shaw has finally spoken out.
For those that haven’t kept up with the allegations, it was recently revealed that Showtime and the production company behind “SMILF” were investigating claims of misconduct that were levied against Shaw. According to reports, actress Samara Weaving, one of the supporting cast in “SMILF,” felt as if she was pressured into doing nude scenes and other uncomfortable instances that were against her contract. The allegations were brought to the attention of the network and production company by Rosie O’Donnell, who learned of them from Weaving and went to HR. Ultimately, it was found that there wasn’t anything to punish Shaw for and the series was released as scheduled. However, Weaving will not be back if “SMILF” goes into a potential third season.
On the “Today” show, Shaw was confronted with these allegations and she gave her response, saying, “This is my first time doing this job and we moved fast, and I was learning on the go. I’m just really grateful that I can take these lessons of being a more aware and in tune showrunner moving forward.”
She continued, “And I will say I am really proud of a lot of the work we did, you know? We had approximately 50% female crew in Boston. We had almost all women directors…[including] Kerry Washington. She’s the most talented human I think I’ve ever met.”
Rosie O’Donnell added “It’s a beautiful set, I have to say. There is a family feel on the set and the great thing about Frankie is she addressed the stuff and the network did, and everybody is okay and here we go.”
Weaving has yet to speak up and an official statement was not given to “Today” from Showtime or any of the other people behind-the-scenes. At this point, it appears that the controversy is being put on the backburner for now and everyone wants to move forward.
As mentioned, “SMILF” returned earlier this month for its second season and airs weekly on Showtime.