Bill Murray has acknowledged that his behavior on the set of “Being Mortal” led to a woman’s complaint and the suspension of production on his latest film.
The 71-year-old Golden Globe winner appeared on CNBC on Saturday at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders meeting, addressing the allegations of misconduct leveled against him.
Murray admitted to having “a difference of opinion” with a woman working on the production, but declined to provide details about what happened or who was involved.
“I did something that I thought was funny, and it wasn’t perceived that way,” Murray said.
The “Groundhog Day” actor’s comments come nearly two weeks after Searchlight Pictures halted production of the Aziz Ansari-directed film as part of an investigation into a complaint involving Murray. The nature of the complaint has not been disclosed, but reports say it involved alleged “inappropriate conduct” on set.
Murray said he is “optimistic” that he and his accuser can “make peace”.
“From now on we talk and try to make peace with each other. I think that’s where the real problem is, between our peace,” he shared.
“We are both professionals, we love each other’s work,” he continued. “We like each other, I think, and if we don’t really get along and trust each other, there’s no point working together or making the film. It’s been quite an education for me.”
Murray admitted that the issue has impacted his life and that he has “didn’t do much but think about it” in recent weeks. He said he doesn’t want to be a “sad dog who can’t learn anymore.”
The “Zombieland” star said he hoped both he and his accuser would eventually be able to work together and trust each other again to “hopefully do something that would benefit more than just the two of us, but a whole crew.” of people, the filmmakers and the film studio as well.”
The studio reportedly halted production on April 18 before suspending work on the film two days later, explaining the decision in an email to the cast and crew.
An anonymous source told New York Post’s Page Six that on the set of “Being Mortal,” Murray was “very hands-on sensitive, not in personal areas, but putting an arm around a woman, touching her hair, touching her ponytail pulled – but always in a comical way.”
“It’s a thin line and everyone loves Bill, but while his behavior isn’t illegal, some women felt uncomfortable and he crossed a line,” the insider claimed.
Ansari, who was reportedly not part of the charges, will make his directorial debut alongside his production partner Henley in the film, in which the Parks and Recreation actor also writes and stars. The cast also includes Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer.
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