Asian American comedian Charlyne Yi revealed the “The Disaster Artist” production team bribed her when she tried to leave over sexual misconduct allegations against actor James Franco.
In an Instagram post last week, Yi said the production tried to prevent her from leaving by offering her a substantial acting role. She expressed her desire to quit the 2017 movie, stating she did not feel safe working with Franco, according to AV Club.
“They minimized and said Franco being a predator was so last year, and that he changed…when I literally heard of him abusing new women that week,” she said in her post. “Predators will perform empathy, gaslight and say they will do better – all in order to protect themselves and continue to harm others.”
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Franco, 42, who was the producer and director of “The Disaster Artist,” was accused by five women of sexually inappropriate behavior at his now-closed acting school Studio 4. He eventually settled a lawsuit in February with two of the women involved, BBC reported.
Yi also called out actor Seth Rogen, one of the producers of the film. The actress, who described Rogen as an enabler, said he “definitely knows about the bribe and why I quit.”
“Seth also did a sketch on SNL with Franco enabling Franco preying on children,” she said, “Right after Franco was caught.”
“Franco has a long history of preying on children,” Yi said.
One of the women who came forward was a 17-year-old Scottish schoolgirl, who leaked the messages between her and the actor in April 2014, The Daily Mirror reported. Franco later confirmed it was him who sent the messages to the teenager.
“Enablers are just as toxic and are abusers too,” she said. “Disgusted by white men choosing power over protecting children and women from predators. Educate, organize and dismantle corruption in your circles and in the law.”
“White men saying it’s not their responsibility when holding Franco accountable, or when holding Seth Rogen and enablers accountable,” Yi continued.
Feature Image via @charlyne_yi
