By Lynn Elber, Television Writer
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) --"Bull" star Michael Weatherly remains loved by viewers despite Eliza Dushku's claim of on-set sexual harassment against him, CBS said in defending its decision to keep the show and the actor on the air.
Weatherly and the drama's executive producer, Glenn Gordon Caron, are receiving "leadership coaching," CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl said Thursday.
The actor is taking responsibility "as the head of a show to make the set a positive place to work," Kahl said.
Dushku has said she was written off "Bull" after complaining that Weatherly remarked on her appearance and made jokes involving sex and rape in front of cast and crew in early 2017. Last year, the allegation and a $9.5 million confidential settlement reached with Dushku were made public in a report by The New York Times.
In a Q&A session with TV critics, Kahl was peppered with questions about Dushku's allegations, including that Caron abruptly fired her after she complained about Weatherly and dismissed the actor's actions as "frat behavior."
Kahl was asked what signal other producers are getting if the network's response to Caron was limited to training, which the executive said was intended to make them the "strong and good and fair leaders" they want to be.
"I think that we've had some other situations with bad behavior from showrunners," said Kahl, referring to the producers in charge of a series. "In any situation where we receive information or hear something is askew on a show, we investigate."
Kahl said: "That's what happened on 'Bull.' And there was a settlement that was reached."
The executive said that it's been made clear to producers that they must run "a welcoming set for everyone from top to bottom."
A request for comment from Caron was made to the law firm representing him. There was no immediate reply.
Kahl was reminded that production company Amblin Entertainment ended its work on "Bull" after CBS renewed the series despite Dushku's claims. The show returns for its fourth season in September.
"More than 10 million people watch every week," Kahl replied. "Michael is loved by our audience and even after these allegations came out, people continue to watch. So It's a popular show that we want to keep on our air … and it's a very good show, as well."
The issue of sexual misconduct has beset CBS at the highest levels. Former CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves, one of TV's most influential figures, was ousted last September after allegations from women who said he subjected them to mistreatment including forced oral sex, groping and retaliation if they resisted.
In its 2018 story reporting the Dushku matter, the Times said details, including the settlement, became known when the CBS Corp. board hired outside lawyers to examine misconduct claims against Moonves and to look into CBS as a whole.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakers’ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including “Death of Mr. Peanut.” He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose “First Kid. Second Kid” campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. He’s gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. He’s accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
“Mike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,” said Goldberg. “Mike’s got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. He’s got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what we’re about.”
“I’ve... Read More