Samara Weaving leaving the series after inappropriate scene complaint
Samara Weaving would be leaving the Show time series due to two alleged mishandled sex scenes that breached her contract. Weaving complained to both Disney and SAG-AFTRA after Shaw allegedly instructed video monitors to be turned on outside the set, even though it was supposed to be a closed shoot, with only limited crew present and no monitors.
“SMILF,” which explores how a single mom struggles to find “a happy work-life balance,” is produced by Disney’s ABC Signature Studios. Alongside Shaw, 32, and Weaving, it is also starred by Rosie O’Donnell and Miguel Gomez, who plays Rafi, Weaving’s love interest. The show premiered in 2017 to positive reviews. It was inspired by a namesake short film that earned Shaw a jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
A first scandal involving Weaving reportedly occurred in Season 1, when she was allegedly told with 40 minutes notice to perform a nude love scene despite a no-nudity clause in her contract. One insider alleged a waiver was prepared but not signed.
A source claimed that when Weaving, who is Australian, spoke out, Shaw allegedly pulled her into a trailer, “yanked off her own top” and demanded to know why Weaving was worried about going nude when Shaw herself had no concerns of her own about it.
Shaw’s attorney explained she did lift her shirt while wearing a bra to “pinch her belly” in an effort to point out her own imperfections while encouraging others to feel comfortable in their own skin. The attorney added there were several people present and that “it wasn’t done in a vulgar or sexually suggestive manner.”
The Hollywood Reporter also shared that in Season 2, Weaving was set to do another love scene with Gomez, 33, where he would reportedly be nude while she was just wearing a T-shirt and underwear. Sources claimed the pair were asked to meet with director Cate Shortland without Shaw present to express the importance of having their privacy respected after the Season 1 conflict.
On the morning of the shoot in question, the set was closed and monitors outside were turned off. And while Shaw was not present the day the intimate scene was shot, she allegedly texted a staffer to find out how filming was progressing. When Shaw was told the monitors were off, she allegedly instructed to have them turned on.
Sources claimed that toward the end of production of Season 2, O’Donnell, 56, contacted Showtime executive Amy Israel as well as executive producer Scott King to express concern about “a chaotic and troubled set.” Insiders alleged that while O’Donnell did not personally clash with Shaw, she was concerned about a number of issues, particularly Shaw’s treatment of Weaving. The source added Weaving was reportedly released from her contract at her request and will not return to “SMILF” for Season 3, should it get picked up again.