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SMILFcreator Frankie Shaw is speaking out about themisconduct allegationsmade against her last month.
During an interview withHoda KotbandKathie Lee Giffordon theTodayshow Wednesday, Shaw, 32, said she was “really glad” the hosts asked about the accusations.
“This is my first time doing this job and we moved fast,” she said. “I was learning on the go and I’m just really grateful that I can take these lessons of being a more aware and in tune showrunner moving forward.”
“And I will say, I am really proud of a lot of the work we did, you know?” she added. “We had approximately 50 percent female crew in Boston. We had almost all women directors … [including]Kerry Washington.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who stars in the Showtime series and was also being interviewed, praised Shaw for speaking candidly about the allegations.
“It’s a beautiful set, I have to say,” said O’Donnell, 56. “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.”
Kotb noted thatTodayreached out to ABC Studios and Showtime, which produceSMILF.
“They say they’re reviewing claims,” Kotb said. “They did not provide us a statement on the matter, but we do appreciate you addressing it.”
Shaw also addressed the allegations in an interview withRefinery29.
“What I wasn’t aware of about this job when I started was how much management is involved,” she said. “I’m coming off this season totally surprised. We have such a family, but that anyone would not feel that… How do I do better next time? That is a real focus.”
TheHollywood Reporterreported in December that Samara Weaving, one of the show’s stars, was leaving amid claims her contract was breached due to two mishandled sex scenes.
In a statement toVarietyat the time, ABC Studios said it had investigated the misconduct allegations against Shaw and concluded that there had been no wrongdoing on Shaw’s part.
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In a statement toTHRat the time, O’Donnell said: “I have worked with Frankie Shaw for two and a half years. She is an immensely gifted young talent. I love acting onSMILF, a show that I am extremely proud of.”
“That’s why I felt so strongly that at least half of my crew onSMILFneeded to be female, that we should create an intersectional workplace in which more than a third of writers were women of color, and that it was important I have female shadow directors on set,” she said.
“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,” she concluded her statement.
Weaving was released from her contract at her request and is not expected to join the show for a potential third season, according toVariety.
source: people.com
