“The Real O’Neals” showrunner Casey Johnson set the record straight on the aftermath of cast member Noah Galvin’s controversial interview in June.
Specifically, the executive producer was asked about reports that ABC had threatened to cut the episode order of the sitcom’s second season.
“That part of that story is not true. There wasn’t any threat to cut our order or anything like that,” Johnson said on the comedy showrunners panel at the Television Critic’s Association’s summer press tour in Beverly Hills Thursday. “ABC has been incredibly supportive.”
Johnson also downplayed any behind-the-scenes turmoil in the wake of Galvin’s controversial Vulture interview, in which he discussed toxic gay male identities within the industry, the vague coming out of actor Colton Haynes and speculated about the sexual life of “X-Men: Apocalypse” director Bryan Singer.
Galvin immediately followed up the interview with an apology on Twitter.
“You know, there wasn’t much going on behind the scenes. The article came out, Noah regretted what he said and apologized really quickly. I think we’ve all said things we wish we hadn’t,” Johnson said. “We all got back to work. There wasn’t that much buzzing behind the scenes. We were busy on Season 2, which we’re all super excited about. We’re three days into shooting. It’s all good.”
Though Galvin apologized for the interview, other stars came in his defense and applauded his candor.
“Keep on telling it like it is,” Alan Cumming said, while ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat” star called the interview, “SO GOOD.”
Meanwhile, ABC’s “Modern Family” star Jesse Tyler Ferguson said he disagreed with Galvin’s opinions but advocated for free speech in the wake of the interview, then applauded the apology, saying on Twitter, “A truly classy response. Mad respect for you Noah.”