In late May, it was announced that star Jason Mitchell, who plays one of the main characters on The Chi, would be fired after sexual assault allegations went public. Some reports even stated that it was so bad around co-star Tiffany Boone that she had her fiancee actor Marquee Richardson, who is one of the stars on Dear White People, come on set when she shot scenes with Mitchell.
Boone ultimately told Fox 21, which produces The Chi, that she would no longer work with Mitchell. But after complaining to human resources about his behavior, it allegedly continued, prompting her to quit the show altogether.
It wasn’t just Boone who had allegations towards Mitchell, showrunner Ayanna Floyd told The Hollywood Reporter that “ultimately, everyone was well aware of Jason’s behavior and his multiple HR cases.”
The Chi was announced to be renewed for a third season by Showtime in early April, weeks before the news regarding Mitchell’s behavior became public.
Mitchell’s agent and manager both fired him when the news went public. He was let go from the upcoming Netflix film Desperados. It was reported that yesterday, that his character would be off in this upcoming season following his recent firing, the actor has finally decided to speak out on the allegations against him.
The very talented Lena Waithe, who produces the show, called The Breakfast Club in May to discuss the situation. You can hear what she has to say in the video below.
It is a shame that both characters won’t be appearing on season three, but so long as the situation is rectified that’s what matters.
The Chi is available to watch on Showtime and the Showtime app.
