Aziz Ansari, the acclaimed comedian and actor, has shared the deeply emotional impact of the misconduct allegations that led to the cancellation of his film ‘Being Mortal’ with Bill Murray. During an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Ansari revealed that Murray, who is now 74, was devastated by the allegations and the subsequent suspension of the project. Ansari said that Murray couldn’t believe the incident had occurred and that the film meant a lot to him.
The controversy surrounding ‘Being Mortal’ began in April 2022 when production was abruptly halted following a complaint from a younger female staffer. The accuser alleged that Murray had engaged in inappropriate behavior on set during the pandemic, which included straddling her near a prop bed and kissing her on the mouth through face masks, which were required due to COVID protocols. This incident was confirmed by Puck, which reported that Murray and the anonymous woman reached a settlement of just over $100,000 by October 2022.
Ansari also shared the personal toll this incident has taken on both him and Murray, describing how the allegations and the shutdown of the film have affected their professional and personal lives. He mentioned that production had reached about three-quarters completion when the incident occurred, and the suspension of the project was a significant setback. Ansari reflected on the messages he received from fans and peers, noting that while the support was overwhelming, it also added to his emotional burden.
Meanwhile, Murray reflected on the incident in an interview with The New York Times, stating that it still haunted him and that he hadn’t been able to move past the experience. He acknowledged that he had tried to make peace with what happened but felt that he had been ‘barbecued’ by the allegations. Murray described the incident as something he had done before and found funny, but he now recognizes the gravity of his actions. He also mentioned that the incident took place during the pandemic, when all cast and crew were required to wear masks, adding that the situation was particularly unsettling because of the close quarters they were in.
Ansari, who faced his own allegations of sexual misconduct in 2018, has expressed a hope to eventually complete ‘Being Mortal’ with Murray. He revealed that the film’s suspension was a significant challenge for him, but he remains determined to see the project through. In the meantime, Ansari is working on his directorial debut, ‘Good Fortune’, which stars Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer, as well as Keanu Reeves and Sandra Oh. The film is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and will open in theaters in October, marking Ansari’s transition from acting to directing.
Both Ansari and Murray have faced public scrutiny and the emotional toll of these allegations, highlighting the broader impact of such incidents on their careers and personal lives. The situation underscores the complexities and challenges of navigating personal relationships and professional responsibilities in the entertainment industry, particularly in the wake of public allegations and subsequent legal settlements.