Fox Fires 'Lethal Weapon' Star, Recasting Underway for Potential Season 3: Reports
Weeks after taking heat for Lethal Weapon" star Clayne Crawford is reportedly paying for his actions: Fox has fired him from the drama, according to multiple media outlets.
TVLine reports that "Lethal Weapon" is still on the bubble for a season three renewal, and the show's fate hinges upon the hiring of a replacement for Crawford, who co-leads the show with Damon Wayans Sr. Though sources working for the series told TVLine that there's been no final decision yet on Crawford's fate, it certainly seems like a done deal.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that producers Warner Bros. Television are "scrambling" to recast the role of Martin Riggs, with "multiple actors" getting offers, but ultimately passing. Contracts for the show's cast expire on June 30, THR reports, but Fox is hoping to have new deals and a renewal in place before upfronts begin next week.
The drama surrounding Crawford first surfaced in late April, after reports that the actor was accused of "emotional abuse and creating a hostile environment" for his castmates. Tensions reportedly grew so heated that other actors didn't want to work with him -- or even talk to him -- leading Fox to consider the dramatic move of recasting the part.
In addressing the controversy at the time, Crawford detailed two incidents for which he was reprimanded, the first being when he reacted angrily over what he perceived to be unsafe working conditions. The second reprimand occurred after an episode Crawford directed, in which a piece of shrapnel fell during filming and hit another actor (reportedly Wayans).
Crawford said then that he took responsibility for his actions, and apologized to the cast and crew. So far, reps for the actor and the network have not commented on these latest reports.
Stay tuned to see how this drama-behind-the-drama shakes out.
[via: TVLine, The Hollywood Reporter]