- Being Mortal was suspended in 2022 over Murray’s alleged misconduct on set.
- Murray claims he kissed a masked female crew member, thinking it was a joke.
- He reflected on the incident in a new interview tied to his latest film The Friend.
In a candid interview with The New York Times, Bill Murray discussed the misconduct allegation that halted production on Being Mortal in 2022. He described the moment as a misjudged joke during COVID-era filming. The incident occurred when he kissed a crew member through a mask—something he believed to be humorous based on past experiences.
Murray’s new movie The Friend adds an ironic twist, as his character is accused of similar inappropriate behavior. The actor acknowledged the odd parallel, suggesting that life sometimes mirrors art in unexpected ways.
Life Imitates Art: Bill Murray’s Misconduct Allegations Echo in New Film Role
Bill Murray’s 2022 misconduct controversy resurfaced in a new interview. He revealed what transpired on the set of Being Mortal. The film’s production was shut down after he kissed a female crew member through their masks. This was a gesture he believed was playful and harmless. He said the moment was meant to lighten the mood during a tense shoot under pandemic restrictions.
The veteran actor insisted that the woman was not a stranger and that he had done something similar before without issue. His intention, he emphasized, was never to offend but to inject humor into the scene. Nevertheless, the consequences were immediate. The production was indefinitely suspended.
Interestingly, Murray’s latest film The Friend sees him portray Walter, a man accused of misconduct—eerily mirroring his real-life situation. The actor reflected on the coincidence, noting the irony but stopping short of connecting the dots beyond surface similarities. The situation has added a new layer of public scrutiny to his career and upcoming projects.
Despite the incident and public discourse, Murray appears to view the event through a comedic lens. Calling the whole thing “funny and stupid,” he shows little regret. He chooses instead to contextualize it within his long career as a comedian. Whether audiences and industry insiders accept this stance remains to be seen.
Bill Murray’s remarks have reignited the debate on boundaries in comedy and conduct in the workplace. His unapologetic tone may spark mixed reactions, but the conversation isn’t over.
“Comedy is tragedy plus time.” – Carol Burnett
