Rainn Wilson’s new comedy series Hollywood and Vine has dropped one of its lead stars due to controversy surrounding rape allegations and an assault charge.
The scripted comedy series will center on several popular Vine personalities including Jerry Purpdrank and Lele Pons. Curtis Lepore was originally announced as one of the show’s stars, but there was backlash almost immediately due to a rape charge against Lepore earlier this year. He pled guilty to felony assault.
Wilson, the show’s producer, initially stated on his Facebook page that he was taking these concerns “very seriously,” and one day later, he announced that Lepore would not be a part of Hollywood and Vine.
“After much consideration, the decision was made with Curtis Lepore to mutually part ways on SoulPancake’s television project featuring Vine stars,” Wilson wrote on his Facebook page Friday night. “We felt this was the best decision for everyone involved. We wish Curtis all the best in all his future endeavors.”
Considering the allegations against Lepore, this statement is more than gracious, and it was a smart decision on Wilson’s part. Hollywood and Vine is still in the early development stages. There is plenty of time to recast Lepore and a very large talent pool on Vine to draw from. Now the show will have the chance to be judged based on its comedy and not be inextricably linked to Lepore.
Source: Deadline