Clayne Crawford becomes own lethal weapon

IT’S that time of year again, when broadcast networks decide which shows to keep and which to axe – so actors never want to give executives a reason to lean towards the latter.

However, on Monday, Deadline Hollywood reported that Clayne Crawford, pictured at right with Damon Wayans – one of the stars of Fox buddy cop dramedy, Lethal Weapon – had become such a problem on set that he was “threatening the future of the show”, and that a recasting of his character was in the process of “being explored”.

“I have learned that Crawford… has been disciplined several times over complaints of emotional abuse and creating a hostile environment,” reporter Nellie Andreeva wrote.

Based on the hit films from the 1980s, Crawford stars as detective Martin Riggs (whose character was originally played by Mel Gibson) and Damon Wayans takes the part of detective Roger Murtaugh (originally portrayed by Danny Glover).

On Tuesday, Crawford confirmed that he was reprimanded twice this season.

The first time was after he reacted angrily “over working conditions that did not feel safe or conducive to good work under the leadership of a guest director and assistant director”.

Afterwards, he wrote, he met with human resources and apologised; and at the request of the studio, Warner Bros, he completed therapy and gave part of his paycheque to “one of the parties involved”.

The second incident, Crawford said, occurred when he was directing a recent episode, and an actor was hit by a piece of shrapnel. He said he took full responsibility.

“I am incredibly sorry if my passion for doing good work has ever made anyone feel less than comfortable on our set,” he wrote.