In 2018, it was reported that Eliza Dushku had been awarded a $9.5 million settlement from CBS after being subjected to repeated instances of sexual harassment from Bull star Michael Weatherly. Dushku, who had a brief recurring role on the show, later said that being on Bull was one of the “most cruel, most aggressive humiliations I have ever experienced,” while Weatherly has insisted that all of his actions pertained to his character’s scripts. Bull has since been renewed for another season on CBS, and the network’s president, Kelly Kahl, defended the decision during an upfronts presentation on Wednesday.
“Michael made a mistake in his comments. He owned that mistake. He was apologetic at the time, and he was remorseful,” Kahl explained, per Variety. “He was willing to take any kind of coaching or training we deem necessary for him to create a positive environment on the set. When we looked at the totality of the situation, we felt comfortable bringing Bull back on the air.” Kahl added, putting a fun new spin on the patriarch playbook: “He’s a dad, he’s a father. He was upset by this.” Although Bull is getting a fourth season, one of the most prominent names attached to the show won’t be back with it. Steven Spielberg, who served as one of the many executive producers, is departing along with his production company Amblin Television.
