Bill Murray Reflects on ‘Being Mortal’ Shutdown: A $100,000 Settlement and Lingering Questions
By Archyde News Journalist
Bill Murray is still grappling wiht the fallout from the 2022 shutdown of “Being Mortal,” Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut based on Atul Gawande’s insightful book, “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End.” The film, also set to star Ansari, Seth Rogen, and Keke Palmer, was permanently shelved following allegations of inappropriate behavior by Murray and a subsequent $100,000 settlement.
In a recent interview on The Daily podcast,Murray addressed the incident directly. His comments offer a glimpse into his viewpoint on the events that derailed the project and sparked broader conversations about workplace conduct in Hollywood.
Murray touched on the challenges of playing morally questionable characters, stating, “When you’ve performed as a horrible creep, you know that ‘Hey, I have been that horrible creep and not seen it and not been aware of it.’” This reflection opened the door for the interviewer to delve into the “Being Mortal” controversy.
The Incident: A Masked Kiss and Conflicting Perceptions
Murray described the incident that led to the film’s demise, framing it as a misguided attempt to inject levity into a serious project. “I don’t go too many days or weeks without thinking of what happened on Being Mortal,” he stated. Recounting the event,he explained,“I thought I was trying to make peace,I ended up,in my mind,being barbecued…It was Covid, we were all wearing masks and we were all just stranded in this one room listening to this crazy scene. And I don’t know what prompted me to do it…I was wearing a mask and I gave her a kiss and she was wearing a mask. It wasn’t like I touched her, it was just [makes smooching sound], I gave her a kiss through a mask, through another mask, to another person. And she wasn’t a stranger.”
Murray’s perspective clashes sharply with the outcome: the termination of the film and a formal settlement. He expressed bewilderment at the severity of the response. “It still bothers me because that movie was stopped by the, whatever they call — the human rights, the HR of the disney corporation — which is probably a little bit more strident than some other countries. It turned out there [were] preexisting conditions and all this kind of stuff, I’m like, ‘What?’ How is anyone supposed to know anything like that? There was to be no conversation, there was nothing, no peacemaking, nothing. And just whent to this lunatic arbitration.”
He maintained that his intention was to lighten the mood on a set dealing with weighty subject matter. “You know, you can teach an old dog new tricks,” Murray conceded, “But I just thought it was a disappointment. It was a great disappointment because I thought I knew someone and I did not.And I certainly thought it was light and I thought it was funny. And to me it’s still funny, the idea that you could give someone a kiss with a mask on, it’s still stupid. That’s all it was.”
The Broader Context: Past Allegations and Shifting Standards
The incident on the set of “Being Mortal” resurfaced past allegations of Murray’s on-set behavior. Murray addressed the claim that he threw an ashtray at Richard Dreyfuss during the filming of 1991’s “What About Bob?,” dismissing it as exaggerated. “If I’d have thrown it Dreyfuss, I’d have hit him,” he quipped.(Dreyfuss has publicly stated he is willing to forgive Murray.)
He also responded to Geena Davis’s accusations of impropriety, labeling them “outrageous.” He defended himself by saying, “When someone has an episode like mine on this Being Mortal thing, the world goes searching for more proof that this person is a monster — an absolute monster. Well, I’ve had interactions with hundreds of thousands of people over 40, 50 years. Now, you can come up with half a dozen. If you really worked, you’d probably come up with a couple dozen,” suggesting these incidents are isolated and not representative of his overall character.
| Allegation | Murray’s Response |
|---|---|
| Inappropriate behavior on “Being Mortal” set | Attempt to bring lightness; misunderstanding. |
| Throwing an ashtray at Richard Dreyfuss | Exaggerated; aimed at the ceiling. |
| geena Davis’s claims of impropriety | “Outrageous”; unrepresentative of his career. |
These incidents, viewed through the lens of the #MeToo movement and evolving workplace standards, highlight a growing sensitivity towards behavior that was once perhaps overlooked or tolerated. what may have been considered a harmless gesture in the past is now subject to greater scrutiny and potential consequences.
The Future of “Being Mortal” and Lessons Learned
As of today, April 6, 2025, “Being Mortal” remains shelved, with no indication of a revival. The film industry, and American workplaces in general, continue to grapple with defining acceptable behavior and creating safe and respectful environments. Resources like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offer guidance and training to help organizations navigate these complex issues.
The “Being Mortal” case serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the potential consequences of miscommunication and differing perceptions in the workplace. It underscores the importance of clear boundaries, open interaction, and sensitivity to the evolving social norms surrounding workplace interactions. The incident also highlights the critical role of HR departments in mediating disputes and ensuring a fair and equitable resolution process.
While Murray views the incident as a misunderstanding, the outcome has undoubtedly had a notable impact on all involved and serves as a reminder of the importance of creating respectful and inclusive work environments within the entertainment industry and beyond.
What specific steps, beyond clearly defined rules of conduct and training, could production companies implement on film sets to minimize the risk of similar incidents to the one involving Bill Murray and Aziz Ansari’s film, “Being Mortal”?
Exclusive Interview: Analyzing Bill Murray’s “Being Mortal” Fallout with HR Expert, dr. Eleanor Vance
By Archyde News Journalist
Introduction: Navigating Workplace Conduct in the Wake of “Being Mortal”
Hello,and welcome to Archyde News. Today, we have Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading expert in Human Resources and workplace conduct, to dissect the recent commentary by Bill Murray on the controversial shutdown of the film “Being Mortal.” Dr. Vance, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Vance: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to unpack the nuances of this situation and the broader implications for workplace dynamics.
Understanding the “Being Mortal” Incident and Its Impact
Archyde News: Mr. Murray described the central incident as a simple kiss through masks, yet it led to a $100,000 settlement and the film’s cancellation. From an HR perspective, how can such differing perceptions emerge?
Dr. Vance: The core issue is a breakdown in interaction and a lack of clearly defined boundaries.What one person perceives as harmless, another can experience as unwelcome or even as harassment. The masks, in this case, add another layer of complexity, as they may have created a false sense of security regarding personal space and consent.The setting of the film, dealing with sensitive health topics, may require even more sensitivity.
Analyzing Murray’s Defence and the Role of HR
Archyde News: Murray seems to emphasize his intentions and expresses bewilderment at the severity of the response. How should organizations approach situations where intent and impact are at odds?
Dr. Vance: HR professionals are trained to examine both intent and impact. Though, the impact, particularly if related to an employee’s perceived violation of workplace policies, takes precedence. HR’s role is to mediate, investigate, and ensure a fair process for both parties.This includes considering the individual’s previous conduct, company culture, and the specific context of the incident. In this case, the Disney corporation HR standards also have to be considered.
The Broader Context: #MeToo and Evolving Standards
Archyde News: the incident took place in a heightened cultural environment shaped by the #MeToo movement, and previous on-set behavior by Mr. Murray was also brought up. How has this movement shifted the standard in Hollywood and workplaces overall?
Dr. Vance: The #MeToo movement has fundamentally altered the conversation. It’s raised awareness of power dynamics and the importance of consent. What was previously dismissed as “locker room talk” or “harmless fun” is now viewed critically. Organizations are implementing stricter policies, providing more complete training, and fostering a culture of accountability. The expectation is now that all employees are aware of the standards, and they comply with the rules.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
Archyde News: “Being Mortal” remains shelved,and the industry continues to grapple with these issues. What key takeaways can we derive from this case?
Dr. Vance: First, clear and regularly updated workplace conduct policies are non-negotiable.Second, training is vital to empower employees to recognise and report inappropriate behavior. Lastly, open and transparent communication is vital. Companies must create environments where employees feel safe, respected, and protected from harassment and discrimination. The lack of clarity here, caused by the masks and circumstances needs to be addressed immediately.
Archyde News: In your opinion, what specific steps could have been taken on the Being Mortal set to help minimize the chances of the incident escalating as drastically as it did?
Dr. Vance: Even with the added challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, clearly defined rules of conduct, training, and an easy way to report incidents would have been essential. Someone, somewhere would speak up and at least begin the critical need for openness.
audience Engagement and Further Discussion
Archyde News: Dr. Vance, thank you for providing such valuable insight. It’s a complex issue with long-lasting effects. We encourage our readers to share their perspectives: In what ways do you believe organizations can best balance creating a fun work environment with ensuring a safe and respectful workplace? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Dr. Vance: It’s been my pleasure. thank you for having me.
