Keke Palmer has finally broken her silence after her film Being Mortal came to a screeching halt due to allegations against her co-star, Bill Murray. But what exactly went down? Let’s dig deeper into this controversial story.
Table of Contents
The Film’s Sudden Shutdown
Searchlight Pictures suspended production on Being Mortal in April following accusations of “inappropriate behavior” leveled against Murray. The film, which marked Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut, was based on surgeon Atul Gawande’s book, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. Ansari was not only the director but also the writer and co-star alongside Murray, Palmer, and Seth Rogen.
Unfortunately, since the shutdown, no progress has been made on the film, leaving its completion hanging in the balance.
Keke Palmer’s Perspective
In a recent interview with Variety, Palmer shared her thoughts on the halted project. Despite the disappointment, she expressed hope that Ansari would find a way to salvage it. “If somebody could figure it out, it would be Aziz,” Palmer remarked. She clearly believed in the film’s potential, stating, “It’s an amazing film. If there is some way to be able to complete, salvage it, I would want to do it.”
While Palmer didn’t directly address the allegations against Murray, she did mention that any continuation of the project would likely require a “major rewrite” by Ansari. However, she emphasized the quality of the original material, saying, “[Ansari] would probably have to do a major rewrite, but I know what we got was gold.”
The Allegations Unveiled
A report by Puck writer Eriq Gardner shed light on some of the alleged misconduct on set, including unwelcome physical advances. According to Gardner, Murray claimed the younger woman had been flirting with him during close proximity near a bed on set, prompting him to engage in a questionable physical comedy act. Murray allegedly kissed her body, straddled her, and eventually kissed her on the mouth, all while both parties were wearing masks due to Covid protocols.
The woman lodged a complaint, leading to mediation with Murray. Ultimately, the case was settled for just over $100,000 (£90,533).
Murray’s Response
Speaking in an interview, Murray acknowledged the misunderstanding, saying, “I did something I thought was funny and it wasn’t taken that way.” Despite the incident, he expressed a desire to resolve the situation amicably, stating, “We’re talking and trying to make peace with each other. We’re both professionals. We like each other’s work – we like each other, I think. If we can’t get along and trust each other, there’s no point in going further working together or making a movie.”
The Aftermath
Being Mortal’s future remains uncertain as the repercussions of these events continue to unfold. However, one thing is clear: the allegations and subsequent fallout have cast a shadow over the production. It is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in the entertainment industry and how the actions of individuals can reverberate throughout a project.
For more intriguing stories from the entertainment world and beyond, explore 5 WS, a hub of captivating information on the “who, what, when, where, and why” of various topics.
Remember to stay tuned for further updates on the future of Being Mortal as this complex situation develops.
