Dark new details surroundingFred Savage’s abrupt firing from ABC’s reboot ofThe Wonder Yearsare surfacing.
Per the report, the group of women are claiming they “saw two very different sides of Savage: a charismatic, seemingly supportive colleague and a far darker, angrier alter ego.” They also claim he “could flip to the latter persona in an instant and in such moments, one says, ‘His eyes would go dead.'” But one woman said he never behaved this way in front of actors or executives, who would only “see his absolute perfect, best face.”
One former female employee described an encounter she said she had with Savage when she joined the crew for a night out at a local bar. Upon exiting the stall of the women’s restroom, she claimed Savage was waiting for her. He allegedly proceeded to push her against a wall and “put his mouth on mine very forcefully.” She was able to thwart his advances and leave, later ignoring an apology text from him on the matter.
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Representatives for ABC did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment, but Savage did issue a statement toTHR: “Since I was 6 years old, I have worked on hundreds of sets with thousands of people, and have always strived to contribute to an inclusive, safe and supportive work environment,” it read.
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In another allegation, a female crew member claimed there was a “strangeness” between a much younger woman working on the crew and Savage, who is married to and shares three children withJennifer Lynn Stone.
The report claimed that many “had become concerned” as the young crew member moved into Savage’s home in Atlanta, where the reboot films. Savage reportedly bought her gifts and discussed “what they would do together in the future,” but the young woman — who declined to comment for the report — was “fearful” of Savage.
The women who reported Savage said their “concern for the younger crewmember was the primary motivator” for doing so.
Savage concluded his statement toTHR: “I will work to address and change any behavior that has negatively affected anyone, as nothing in this world is more important to me than being a supportive co-worker, friend, husband, father and person.”
The Wonder Years reboot.Erika Doss/ABC
The Wonder Yearspremiered on ABC in September 2021. It wasrenewed for a second seasonin May.
News of Savage’s firing from the well-reviewed series also broke in May. At the time, a spokesperson for 20th Television confirmed to PEOPLE that they were"made aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct"tied to the former child star.
“As is policy, an investigation was launched,” the statement continued. “Upon its completion, the decision was made to terminate his employment as an executive producer and director ofThe Wonder Years.”
Though the company didn’t specify what exactly the allegations were, a source told PEOPLE thatSavage was “quick to anger"on various show sets. He would also often overshoot, which is commonly done industry-wide but makes things harder for the crew.
Per a second source, Savage could “have a temper and occasional outbursts.”
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Later that year, Savage was hit with a gender-based lawsuit while working onThe Grinder. Costume designer Youngjoo Hwang claimed the actor created an uncomfortable work environment, which Savage denied. A judgedismissed the case.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
