CBS Paid Eliza Dushku $9.5M After She Confronted Michael Weatherly About Harassment & Was Written Off 'Bull'

The investigation into the culture at CBS under former CEO Leslie Moonves is uncovering some dirty company secrets.
Like the fact that Eliza Dushku was paid $9.5 million by the network in a secret settlement after she confronted former Bull costar Michael Weatherly about inappropriate comments he made — and was quickly written off the series.
The Bring It On star joined the primetime drama in March 2017, playing a character with a major three-episode arc, with plans to be added to the series as a regular. But shortly after her start, Weatherly allegedly began making comments that made her feel extremely uncomfortable, according to The New York Times.
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When interviewed by investigators who were examining the culture at CBS following the ousting of Moonves amid his sexual misconduct scandal, the 37-year-old actress alleged that Weatherly would make comments publicly about bending her over his leg and spanking her and, when filming a scene with a windowless van, joked about taking her to his “rape van.”
Dushku also alleged that she once made a gesture with three fingers and, in response, the 50-year-old actor made a crude comment about having a threesome with him and another Bull cast member.
The comments were so vile, Dushku felt the need to bring it to Weatherly’s attention. Shortly after confronting the series star, however, she was shocked to learn that her character had suddenly been written off the show.
CBS had Dushku sign a confidential settlement, awarding her $9.5 million — about the same amount she would have made as a regular Bull cast member for four seasons.
Related: Schwarzenegger Calls Eliza ‘Courageous’ For Speaking Out About Alleged Molestation
When asked about the issue by the Times, Weatherly said he deeply regrets making the inappropriate “jokes” and is “mortified” about how he made his former costar feel, saying in a statement:

“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.”

The lawyers handling the case explained that this issue reflected a much larger problem at CBS that needed fixing. A company rep echoed that sentiment in a statement, telling People:

“The allegations in Ms. Dushku’s claims are an example that, while we remain committed to a culture defined by a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace, our work is far from done.”

Let’s hope they’re not just spewing out bull.
[Image via WENN]