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F. Murray Abraham’s abrupt exit fromMythic Questwas reportedly the result of multiple sexual misconduct accusations — and now the actor is saying he has “grown from the experience.”
The first alleged incident resulted in a warning and an advisory for the actor to keep his distance from some actresses on the show, according to a production source, the outlet reported.
On Thursday, Abraham issued a statement responding to the allegations.
“This is a sincere and deeply felt apology,” the actor said. “Though never my intention to offend anyone, I told jokes, nothing more, that upset some of my colleagues and as a result lost a great job with wonderful people.”
He concluded, “I have grown in my understanding from this experience, and I hope they will forgive me.”
PEOPLE did not receive a response from McElhenney’s reps, but a spokesperson for Lionsgate, a producer on the show, said issued statement about the claims on Monday: “We take allegations of misconduct seriously and investigate them thoroughly. As a matter of corporate policy, we do not discuss personnel actions.”
Abraham was a central character inMythic Quest, starring as C.W. Longbottom since the show’s February 2020 premiere. The comedy series follows video game design company owner Ian Grimm (McElhenney) and his staff as they struggle to ensure their hit game,Mythic Quest, continues to dominate.
The Oscar winner’s exit was announced almost one year ago.
“F. Murray Abraham will not be returning to Season 3 ofMythic Quest,” Lionsgate Television said in a statement toDeadline. “Beyond that, we do not comment on matters concerning personnel.”
HBO
Abraham recently starred in the second season ofThe White Lotusas womanizing senior Bert Di Grasso, whose unwelcome flirtations with women at the resort were met with discomfort from his son Dominic (Michael Imperioli) and grandson Albie (Adam DiMarco).
“Bert says a lot of questionable things and has kind of a problematic attitude toward sex and women and relationships,” creatorMike Whitepreviously toldThe New York Timesof his decision to cast Abraham. “I just thought it’d be funny to have an actor who also has this kind of buoyancy and a ‘What me worry?’ type of attitude.”
Added White, “There’s something very mischievous about Murray, and he could obviously play the villain. But he also has this likable, unsinkable quality to him.”
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source: people.com
