CBS Boss Defends ‘Bull’ Amid Michael Weatherly Harassment Scandal: “People Continued to Watch”

CBS brass is defending its decision to renew Bull after sexual harassment allegations surfaced against star Michael Weatherly. Variety reports that during the network’s Television Critics Association panel on Thursday, CBS Entertainment chief Kelly Kahl addressed the controversy head-on, telling reporters that Weatherly was “remorseful and apologetic” after actress Eliza Dushku came forward with a harassment claim. In terms of Season 4 renewal, Kahl told reporters that the drama is “very popular,” adding, “Michael is loved by our audience, and even after these allegations came out, people continued to watch.”

In December 2018, The New York Times reported that CBS paid Dushku $9.5 million to settle sexual harassment claims she made against Weatherly shortly after her three-episode arc on Bull. The Times reported that producers intended for Dushku’s stint was meant to turn into a larger role, but after she filed a formal complaint against Weatherly, she was abruptly written off the show. Five months later, in May 2019, Bull was renewed for a fourth season on CBS — a fact that Kahl was asked to address during the network’s TCA panel on Thursday.

“What we found was in Michael’s case, no complaints, incidents,” said Kahl (via TV Line), adding that he was “remorseful and apologetic” when Dushku first filed a complaint, as well as when the CBS settlement came to light. He noted that Weatherly is currently going through “leadership coaching” to help him learn “how to set a positive example for everybody.” Added Kahl, “[Michael] is taking his responsibility as the head of the show to make it a positive place to work.”

When asked about Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television pulling out of Bull in the wake of the scandal, Kahl was clear. “I can’t speak for Amblin, but to us, it’s a show that does very well,” he said, before going on to cite the show’s popularity as the reason for its Season 4 renewal. “It’s a very popular show. More than 10 million people watch every week,” said Kahl. “Michael is loved by our audience, and even after these allegations came out, people continued to watch. It’s a popular show we want to keep on our air, and it’s a very good show as well.”

Where to stream Bull