Bill Murray was allegedly “touchy” with the women on the set of “Being Mortal” before the shooting was suspended, IB Times reports.
The shooting of Aziz Ansari’s next film was stopped on Monday before being suspended on Wednesday, pending the outcome of an investigation following a complaint filed against Murray alleging “inappropriate behavior.”
The “Ghostbusters” actor allegedly made some ladies on the set “uncomfortable” due to his behavior, according to an unnamed insider who spoke to the New York Post’s Page Six.
“He was very hands-on touchy, not in any personal areas, but put an arm around a woman, touched her hair, pulled her ponytail — but always in a comedic way,” the source alleged. “It is a fine line and everybody loves Bill, but while his conduct is not illegal, some women felt uncomfortable and he crossed a line.”
Another anonymous insider told the outlet that Murray, who is apparently single, “loves women and loves to flirt, he enjoys poetry and romance, he’s always flirting, but it is always couched in comedy. It isn’t clear if he crossed a line.”
The film’s cast and crew were notified of the production’s suspension on Wednesday, with Searchlight Pictures noting in an email that it was due to an unnamed complaint.
“Late last week, we were made aware of a complaint, and we immediately looked into it. After reviewing the circumstances, it has been decided that production cannot continue at this time,” read the letter issued by the studio and obtained by Deadline.
“Our hope is to resume production and are working with Aziz and [producer] Youree [Henley] to figure out that timing. Production will be in touch with you to share details on the wrap, and we will let you know as soon as we have more information to share,” the email concluded.
After news of the complaint broke, Ben Dreyfuss claimed on Twitter that the 71-year-old actor “had a meltdown” on the set of his father Richard Dreyfuss’ 1991 film “What About Bob?” because “he wanted an extra day off.”
Late producer Laura Ziskin reportedly turned down Murray’s request. In response, the Golden Globe winner allegedly “ripped her glasses off her face and my dad complained about his behavior and Bill Murray threw an ashtray at him,” Ben claimed.
“Everyone walked off the production and flew back to LA and it only resumed after Disney hired some bodyguards to physically separate my dad and Bill Murray in between takes,” Ben further alleged.
Murray was earlier referred to as a “drunken bully” by the elder Dreyfuss in response to the alleged ashtray incident.
Murray was previously accused by Lucy Liu of “inexcusable and unacceptable” behaviour on the set of “Charlie’s Angels” in the year 2000, where she said Murray was “hurling insults” at her. The actress said she confronted Murray about his alleged actions and has no regrets for speaking up.
“Because no matter how low on the totem pole you may be or wherever you came from, there’s no need to condescend or to put other people down. And I would not stand down, and nor should I have,” she told the Los Angeles Times last year.
