Steven Spielberg’s Amblin TV Leaves CBS’ ‘Bull’ Over Harassment Scandal

Amblin TV, one of the producers of the CBS drama Bull, has parted ways with the show.

The company headed by Steven Spielberg is washing its hands of the series, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The decision comes months after CBS paid $9.5 million to settle harassment claims by actress Eliza Dushku against series lead Michael Weatherly.

Spielberg and Amblin TV heads Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey had been credited as executive producers on the show’s first three seasons.

CBS on Thursday renewed Bull, which has delivered steady ratings for the network, for a fourth season. CBS TV Studios and Dr. Phil McGraw’s and Jay McGraw’s Stage 29 Productions also produce the legal drama, which is loosely based on Phil McGraw’s work as a jury consultant.

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Eliza Dushku Calls Out CBS' "Deflection, Denial and Spin" in 'Bull' Settlement

The settlement with Dushku came to light in December as part of an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct by ousted CBS CEO Les Moonves. The actress appeared in three episodes late in Bull‘s first season in what was intended to become a much larger role. Her character, however, was written off the show after she reported sexually charged comments Weatherly reportedly made to her on set — including calling her “legs” and inviting her to his “rape van.” 

In a Boston Globe op-ed, Dushku wrote, “This is not a ‘he-said/she-said’ case. Weatherly’s behavior was captured on CBS’s own videotape recordings.”

Dushku wrote that she was planning to meet with Spielberg, who has been a supporter of the Time’s Up movement that advocates for safe and fair workplaces for women. That meeting happened in March.

Deadline first reported Amblin’s departure from the show.

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