Actor Fred Savage is not a name that's typically associated with controversy. But on Wednesday, the actor and Twentieth Century FOX faced a lawsuit after he allegedly harassed and assaulted a female crew member on the set of The Grinder.
The alleged incident occurred in 2015 on the set of his now-canceled FOX series, which featured Rob Lowe, TMZ reported. Savage, 41, apparently created an uncomfortable work environment for the unidentified woman, who was employed in the show's wardrobe department. She claimed she was struck by Savage in the arm after brushing dandruff off his clothing and speaking angrily toward her in front of others, among other accusations.
"I have been working in the entertainment industry my whole life and have always endeavored to treat everyone on any set I work on respectfully and professionally," Savage said in a statement issued to Newsweek. "While none of the accusations being leveled at me are true, I wholeheartedly support all people who feel they are being mistreated come forward and speak to human resources and those in charge."
Savage and Fox are reportedly being sued for harassment, assault, battery and discrimination. "Fox takes all allegations of improper conduct very seriously," a spokesperson for the company said to Newsweek. "We conducted a thorough investigation into these allegations and found no evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of Mr. Savage. We will vigorously defend against these unfounded claims."
Savage faced sexual harassment allegations in the past. In January, Actress Alley Mills, who played his mother in ABC's The Wonder Years, revealed the popular show ended in its sixth season over sexual harassment allegations. Costume designer Monique Long accused Savage and Jason Hervey, his TV brother, of subjecting her to physical and verbal harassment on set for 12 months.
"When we shot the series finale, nobody knew whether or not The Wonder Years was going to be renewed," Mills said in an interview with Yahoo Entertainment. "That's because of a completely ridiculous sexual harassment suit that was going on against Fred Savage who was like the least offensive, most wonderful, sweet human being that ever walked the face of the earth."
Long, who was paid off by ABC, said Savage expressed his love for her and asked for her to have an affair with him. The Wonder Years cast were prevented from speaking on the issue because they were placed on a gag order.
This story was updated to include a statement from Fox and Savage.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Dory Jackson is a New York-based entertainment journalist from Maryland. She graduated from Randolph-Macon College—in May 2016—with a focus in Communication ... Read more
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