FX Drops Louis C.K. as Producer on Four Shows, TBS Series Suspended
FX seemed somewhat slower to cut ties with producing partner Louis C.K., instead labeling their relationship “under review.” Now, following the comedian’s own statement, FX confirms C.K. will no longer act as producer to Better Things, Baskets or others, with production suspended on a TBS comedy as well.
Where yesterday saw FX acknowledging the New York Times allegations against the Louie creator, the network took more drastic steps late Friday. In light of C.K.’s public admission of guilt, FX followed up to confirm that he’d no longer function as executive producer in any capacity to the four existing series they’d partnered on:
Today, FX Networks and FX Productions are ending our association with Louis C.K. We are cancelling the overall deal between FX Productions and his production company, Pig Newton. He will no longer serve as executive producer or receive compensation on any of the four shows we were producing with him – Better Things, Baskets, One Mississippi and The Cops.
Louis has now confirmed the truth of the reports relating to the five women victimized by his misconduct, which we were unaware of previously. As far as we know, his behavior over the past 8 years on all five series he has produced for FX Networks and/or FX Productions has been professional. However, now is not the time for him to make television shows. Now is the time for him to honestly address the women who have come forth to speak about their painful experiences, a process which he began today with his public statement.
FX Networks and FX Productions remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure that all people work in an environment that is safe, respectful and fair, and we will continue our review of all of these productions to ensure that was and is the case.
UPDATE: Better Things creator, star and C.K.’s frequent producing partner Pamela Adlon released her own statement through FX:
Hi. I’m here. I have to say something. It’s so important.
My family and I are devastated and in shock after the admission of abhorrent behavior by my friend and partner, Louis C.K. I feel deep sorrow and empathy for the women who have come forward. I am asking for privacy at this time for myself and my family. I am processing and grieving and hope to say more as soon as I am able.
The Cops was initially developed at FX as an animated vehicle for C.K. and Albert Brooks, but moved to TBS with a ten-episode order in January. The series was expected to debut in 2018, but production “has been suspended until further review,” and could potentially move forward with another voice actor. Amazon’s One Mississippi had already distanced itself from C.K., as Tig Notaro addressed in the original New York Times piece, even alluding to the comedian’s conduct with a similar storyline.
It remains to be seen what other fallout might occur after C.K. himself addressed the charges. Netflix, HBO and I Love You, Daddy distributors The Orchard have all cut ties, so stay tuned for the latest.
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