The short-lived Fox comedy The Grinder has achieved cult status while never making much of a mainstream splash, but now it's in the news for all the wrong reasons. Actor Fred Savage has been accused of harassing and assaulting a costume designer on the show.
As TMZ reports, YoungJoo Hwang filed a lawsuit today claiming that Savage attacked her, cursed at her and was generally aggressive towards her multiple times while she worked on the show in 2015.
Hwang claims she wasn't the only woman that Savage targeted with his alleged temper. She said she was encouraged not to speak out, "because a lot of people would lose their jobs."
Fox reportedly filed an internal investigation about the allegations and could not find evidence to suggest Hwang's claims were true.
Now, Savage has released a statement, which you can read in full below.
I have witnessed tremendous courage over these past few months, watching brave women who have come forward publicly fighting through the shame and stigma of harassment. I've seen first-hand the growing support in this movement that has always felt so lacking. As someone who has always tried to live honorably and with integrity, it never dawned on me that my name could be on the other side.
I was made aware that a woman working in the costume department of a show I was on almost three years ago has claimed that I treated her harshly on set simply because she was a woman. These accusations are completely without merit and absolutely untrue. Fox conducted an extensive internal investigation into her claims, a process in which I fully participated. After concluding a thorough investigation, Fox determined that there was absolutely no evidence to support these accusations. None of her claims could be substantiated because they did not happen.
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. 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. We have witnessed so much bravery from those speaking out recently, but I will just as boldly protect myself and my family from those seeking to tarnish my good name. I cannot let these people in particular denigrate me while harming the message of thousands of women and others who have suffered and continue to suffer.
Fred Savage
As TMZ reports, YoungJoo Hwang filed a lawsuit today claiming that Savage attacked her, cursed at her and was generally aggressive towards her multiple times while she worked on the show in 2015.
Hwang claims she wasn't the only woman that Savage targeted with his alleged temper. She said she was encouraged not to speak out, "because a lot of people would lose their jobs."
Fox reportedly filed an internal investigation about the allegations and could not find evidence to suggest Hwang's claims were true.
Now, Savage has released a statement, which you can read in full below.
I have witnessed tremendous courage over these past few months, watching brave women who have come forward publicly fighting through the shame and stigma of harassment. I've seen first-hand the growing support in this movement that has always felt so lacking. As someone who has always tried to live honorably and with integrity, it never dawned on me that my name could be on the other side.
I was made aware that a woman working in the costume department of a show I was on almost three years ago has claimed that I treated her harshly on set simply because she was a woman. These accusations are completely without merit and absolutely untrue. Fox conducted an extensive internal investigation into her claims, a process in which I fully participated. After concluding a thorough investigation, Fox determined that there was absolutely no evidence to support these accusations. None of her claims could be substantiated because they did not happen.
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. 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. We have witnessed so much bravery from those speaking out recently, but I will just as boldly protect myself and my family from those seeking to tarnish my good name. I cannot let these people in particular denigrate me while harming the message of thousands of women and others who have suffered and continue to suffer.
Fred Savage
