Frank Langella reacts to Netflix firing since House of Usher fell – The Hollywood Reporter

Frank Langella has responded to his firing from the Netflix limited series The Fall of House Usher following a malpractice investigation.

In a long statement, written as a guest column for Deadline, the actor refutes published claims that he fondled a female co-star during a “fully dressed” love scene filmed on March 25, alleging he only “touched” the girl’s leg ‘actress, a gesture that was not in the blocking of the show. He also alleges he was fired for telling a color joke, calling his co-star “baby or darling” and giving the young actress “a hug or pat” on her shoulder.

The Hollywood Reporter first reported that Langella was fired from the limited series following allegations that the actor made inappropriate remarks to a female co-star. Netflix declined to comment at the time.

“I got cancelled. Just like that,” his column begins. “In the growing madness that is currently taking over our industry, I could not have imagined the words collateral damage would fall on my shoulders.”

The actor – played by Roderick Usher, the lead on Netflix’s version of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic – says the incident that led to his firing from the show happened while he was “sitting on a sofa “with the anonymous actress” standing in front of me. It was then, Langella says, that she said he touched her leg, acknowledging that it was not in the blocking , and afterwards, “turned around and left the set, followed by the director and the intimacy coordinator”.

Langella says she was asked to give space to her former co-star, who ultimately did not return to the set. An investigation was opened, he says, and he was then contacted about a week later by Netflix’s human resources department. He alleges that during a phone call, the events of the incident were read back to him, including a note that the privacy coordinator told him where the two actors should place their hands.

The actor goes on to say he was asked about his on-set response to the intimacy coordinator that the instructions on where to place his hands were “absurd” – a comment the actor confirms. “It was a love scene on camera. Legislating the placement of hands, in my opinion, is ridiculous. It undermines instinct and spontaneity,” Langella writes.

Langella alleges that he was then instructed by Netflix’s human resources representative not to have any further contact with his co-star, “the intimacy coordinator, or anyone else at the company” due to the ” potential risk of retaliation. He also says he had a conversation with a producer, who told him, “You can’t be kidding. You cannot compliment. You cannot touch. This is a new order.

Langella says he was denied an audience with the accuser or Netflix. “The directors and producer stopped responding to my emails and phone calls,” he wrote. “Within 30 minutes of my firing, a letter was sent to the cast and crew, and a full press release was sent out immediately. My reps and I were given no opportunity to comment or collaborate. on the story.

Langella says the response to her on-set behavior is “not fair”, “not only” and “not American”.

“I can’t speak to the intentions of my accuser or Netflix, but the impact on me has been incalculable. I’ve lost an exciting part, the chance for future revenue, and I may be facing a period of unemployment. Netflix fired me after three months on the job with only three weeks of filming, and I have yet to be fully compensated for my services. More importantly, my reputation has been tarnished,” he wrote.

THR confirmed that the investigation into Langella’s conduct was complete midway through production, with the actor’s role being recast and Bruce Greenwood taking over. Langella’s footage will not be used, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

THR has contacted Netflix for comment.