CBS defends decision to bring back ‘Bull’ after allegations against star

CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl defended the network’s decision to air the network’s upcoming season of courtroom drama “Bull,” despite harassment allegations against star Michael Weatherly.

During an address to the Television Critics Association on Thursday, Kahl reportedly touted the show’s continued ratings success amid the controversy surrounding Weatherly and noted that the actor was “remorseful and apologetic” for his actions, the East Bay Times reported.

{mosads}Weatherly, previously an actor on “NCIS,” faced allegations of misconduct by Eliza Dushku. Dushku got a settlement with CBS after she alleged that comments from Weatherly made her uncomfortable. She said she was set to become a series regular, but was written off the show following her charges.

“Weatherly harassed me from early on,” Dushku wrote in the Globe. “The tapes show his offer to take me to his ‘rape van, filled with all sorts of lubricants and long phallic things.'”

“I took a job and, because I did not want to be harassed, I was fired,” she added.

“[Michael] is taking his responsibility as the head of the show to make it a positive place to work,” Kahl told reporters Thursday, according to TVline. “It’s a popular show. Michael is loved by our audience. Even after these allegations came out, people continued to watch.”

CBS has seen a major overhaul in both its news department and the company overall in recent months.

Former Chairman and CEO Les Moonves resigned from CBS in September following multiple accusations of sexual misconduct toward women. “CBS This Morning” co-host Charlie Rose and former “60 Minutes” executive producer Jeff Fager, also exited the company following complaints about their conduct.