Bill Murray recently discussed the allegations surrounding Disney’s adaptation of his film Being Mortal, which was shut down after a $100,000 settlement in a podcast interview with The New York Times. In the conversation, he reflected on portraying characters who may not be likable, such as those in On the Rocks and The Friend. However, when asked about his role in Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut, Murray admitted to giving a co-star a kiss through a mask during COVID-19 precautions.
The incident sparked an investigation by Disney’s human rights department, which ultimately led to the film’s cancellation. Murray acknowledged that he didn’t realize the severity of the situation at the time and thought it was “light” humor. However, he also defended his actions, stating that he aimed to bring “lightness” to a film exploring a “miserable” subject matter.
Murray also addressed past allegations of being difficult to work with on set, dismissing them as exaggerated. He countered claims by co-stars like Lucy Liu and Geena Davis, calling their accusations “outrageous.” The actor emphasized that his interactions with hundreds of thousands of people over the years are not representative of the totality of his personality.
The experience left Murray disappointed but also taught him a lesson: “You can teach an old dog new tricks.” He expressed hope for reconciliation with Disney, acknowledging that both parties are professionals who have worked together in the past.
Source: https://deadline.com/2025/04/bill-murray-being-mortal-allegations-settlement-1236360953