is it too late now to say sorry

Ryan Murphy Regrets That He Directed The People v. O.J.’s Marcia Clark Episode Instead of a Woman

The Hollywood Reporter's Annual Women In Entertainment Breakfast In Los Angeles
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter

The Marcia Clark–focused “Marcia Marcia Marcia” episode was an Emmy-winning highlight of The People v. O.J. Simpson, but Ryan Murphy says it shouldn’t have been his highlight. When the director accepted The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural Equity in Entertainment award, he said that when the woman director originally hired to direct the episode had to drop out two weeks before production, he took over and helmed it himself. In retrospect, Murphy said, not finding a female replacement was a mistake: “I felt I had failed. I have always had female directors on my shows, but why here didn’t I feel I had a roster of women around me who I could turn this important episode over to?” he said. “Why weren’t these women on speed dial? Why did I make the choice that was easier for me, but not for the material, or the world in general?” The American Horror Story creator promised to do better next time.

Ryan Murphy’s People v. O.J. Regret