A few days ago we learned that actress Eliza Dushku allegedly earned a large payout after she was written off of CBS' Bull during Season 1. The actress reportedly complained about being uncomfortable on the set of the drama. Poor jokes from Michael Weatherly, including some that were sexual in nature, were allegedly the reason she cited for not liking working with the actor, but now some of Weatherly's former NCIS co-stars have come out to defend him, including Pauley Perrette.
Perrette has been somewhat open about her own experience on NCIS leading her to leave that program, and she's not a person who is afraid to share her opinions on topics. She's also a person who has defended CBS in the past. This time, she says in her post she's known her co-star for two decades and should be able to attest to how he handles himself in the workplace.
Michael Weatherly also found another supporter in former co-star Sasha Alexander, who is also an NCIS veteran. She said:
Eliza Dushku was in three episodes of Bull during the early part of its run. The goal was to bring her on board as a strong lead and romantic interest of Michael Weatherly's Bull, but Dushku alleges the idea fizzled when she brought to attention jokes she thought were problematic. An earlier report mentions she was offended when Weatherly said things like, "Here comes legs" as well as making "rape van" jokes.
Reports allege that Michael Weatherly and Eliza Dushku talked after the jokes. She says he didn't really take her seriously and was afraid she would get fired. It, in fact, became clear soon after that that she was being fired and Bull went in a different direction during Season 2.
CBS has been dealing with various issues regarding sexual misconduct and harassment since allegations came out about former CBS Chairman Les Moonves several months ago.
Michael Weatherly has publicly apologized for the comments made on set, noting:
During the course of taping our show, I made some jokes mocking some lines in the script. When Eliza told me that she wasn't comfortable with my language and attempt at humor, I was mortified to have offended her and immediately apologized. After reflecting on this further, I better understand that what I said was both not funny and not appropriate and I am sorry and regret the pain this caused Eliza.
Eliza Dushku allegedly nabbed a payout for what happened and Bull has continued filming Season 3. However, the allegations are still out there, and it seems that Michael Weatherly's former co-stars want to attest that they did feel comfortable around the actor on set.
Bull also has a lot of leading ladies and we'll let you know if any of them come out to address the Season 1 incidents. New episodes of Bull air on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET, only on CBS. To find out when your favorites are returning at midseason, take a look at our full premiere guide.
