Bill Murray Reflects on Being Mortal Controversy
In a recent interview, iconic actor Bill Murray opened up about the fallout from the set of the now-canceled film Being Mortal>. This production was halted after a crew member filed a complaint, leaving Murray feeling “barbecued” by the resulting controversy.
Details Surrounding the Incident
Production on Being Mortal, directed by Aziz Ansari, was abruptly stopped in 2022 due to an incident involving a masked kiss that Murray believed was humorous at the time. Nearly three years later, he recounted the event during a feature in the New York Times.
“I was wearing a mask, and I gave her a kiss, and she was wearing a mask,” he explained. “It wasn’t like I touched her, but I thought it was just a silly interaction.” He clarified that the incident occurred with someone he was familiar with, having shared meals together on multiple occasions.
Seeking Humor in the Situation
Murray expressed his confusion about what led him to behave that way, noting that the kiss took place during a hectic moment while they were stuck in a room working on a challenging scene. Despite the complaint, Murray defended his action, stating, “I thought it was funny, and every time it happened, it was funny.”
He elaborated, stating, “It was a great disappointment because I thought I knew someone, and I did not. To me, the idea of giving someone a kiss through a mask is still amusing; I view it as harmless and foolish.”
The Impact of Corporate Policies
Being Mortal was produced by Searchlight Films, a subsidiary of Disney. Murray pointed to Disney’s “pre-existing conditions” as a key factor in the film’s cancellation, expressing frustration that the corporate policies abruptly halted the project.
“It still bothers me because that movie was stopped by the corporate ‘human rights’ issues of Disney,” he emphasized. “There were no discussions, no peacemaking—just silence.”
The Aftermath and Ongoing Reflection
Following the suspension of production, Murray described the process as a “lunatic arbitration,” advising others to avoid such measures. “If anyone ever suggests you go to arbitration: Don’t do it. It’s not justice,” he warned. He also admitted that even after nearly three years, the incident continues to weigh on his mind, stating that he doesn’t go too many days without reflecting on what happened during Being Mortal.