Frankie Shaw Addresses Accusations of Misconduct on Set of SMILF: 'I Was Learning on the Go'
SMILF creator Frankie Shaw is speaking out about the misconduct allegations made against her last month.
During an interview with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford on the Today show Wednesday, Shaw, 32, said she was “really glad” the hosts asked about the accusations.
“This is my first time doing this job and we moved fast,” she said. “I was learning on the go and I’m just really grateful that I can take these lessons of being a more aware and in tune showrunner moving forward.”
“And I will say, I am really proud of a lot of the work we did, you know?” she added. “We had approximately 50 percent female crew in Boston. We had almost all women directors … [including] Kerry Washington.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who stars in the Showtime series and was also being interviewed, praised Shaw for speaking candidly about the allegations.
“It’s a beautiful set, I have to say,” said O’Donnell, 56. “There is a family feel on the set and the great thing about Frankie is she addressed the stuff and the network did, and everybody is okay and here we go.”
Kotb noted that Today reached out to ABC Studios and Showtime, which produce SMILF.
“They say they’re reviewing claims,” Kotb said. “They did not provide us a statement on the matter, but we do appreciate you addressing it.”
Shaw also addressed the allegations in an interview with Refinery29.
“What I wasn’t aware of about this job when I started was how much management is involved,” she said. “I’m coming off this season totally surprised. We have such a family, but that anyone would not feel that… How do I do better next time? That is a real focus.”
The Hollywood Reporter reported in December that Samara Weaving, one of the show’s stars, was leaving amid claims her contract was breached due to two mishandled sex scenes.
In a statement to Variety at the time, ABC Studios said it had investigated the misconduct allegations against Shaw and concluded that there had been no wrongdoing on Shaw’s part.
Variety reported that Weaving confided in O’Donnell, who spoke with Showtime executives about Weaving’s complaint, which launched the investigation by ABC.
In a statement to THR at the time, O’Donnell said: “I have worked with Frankie Shaw for two and a half years. She is an immensely gifted young talent. I love acting on SMILF, a show that I am extremely proud of.”
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE at the time, Shaw said she had “dedicated my career to creating platforms for underrepresented voices — both in front of and behind the lens.”
“That’s why I felt so strongly that at least half of my crew on SMILF needed to be female, that we should create an intersectional workplace in which more than a third of writers were women of color, and that it was important I have female shadow directors on set,” she said.
“I am proud of the accomplishments and that all but one of SMILF’s 18 episodes over the first two seasons were directed by women, because these are my values and priorities and I am grateful for the support and contributions of the SMILF team in helping me to realize them,” Shaw continued.
“I work daily to create an environment in which everyone should feel safe, and in which I can continue to grow as a leader and manager. I am now and always have been open to hearing and addressing all concerns and issues that fall within my control. It pains me to learn that anyone felt uncomfortable on my set. I sincerely hope we can work together to resolve any and all issues, as I am committed to creating a workplace in which all people feel safe and heard,” she concluded her statement.
Weaving was released from her contract at her request and is not expected to join the show for a potential third season, according to Variety.
