Why did Freddy Rodriguez quit 'Bull'? Actor exits after CBS drops showrunner Glenn Caron amid 'toxicity' probe
CBS recently dropped TV series 'Bull' showrunner, Glenn Gordon Caron, for allegedly creating a 'toxic' workplace. Reportedly, actor Freddy Rodriguez is also leaving the show following a "workplace investigation." He was known for playing the role of Benjamin 'Benny' Colon in the legal drama. Rodriguez's representative has declined to comment on the matter.
According to Hollywood Reporter, five writers from 'Bull' shared their negative experiences on the show due to the toxic and disrespectful work environment created by Glenn Gordon Caron. The writers allege that Caron expressed abusive opinions and regularly berated the writers' team, fostering a lot of anxiety among them. CBS Studios launched an internal investigation after some of the writers quit, and afterward, Caron was reportedly dropped. CBS has confirmed Caron's departure but did not reveal the exact circumstances behind the same.
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Why did Freddy Rodriguez quit 'Bull'?
In January 2021, fans feared that Freddy Rodriguez's character Benny might be leaving the show, as the storyline hinted. His departure was first hinted at in Episode 2 from Season 5. After a court case, while Chunk was busy licking his wounds over Benny's prowess at court, Benny was approached at the end by a man, who asked him if he would like to run for District Attorney, which prompted fans to speculate if he would indeed be leaving the show.
Now, it has been confirmed by THR that Rodriguez is exiting the show after a workplace investigation. While CBS has not divulged the detailed circumstances behind his exit, many are speculating it to be connected with Caron's exit. Rodriguez starred in over 100 episodes for the hit CBS drama which recently renewed for its sixth season in April.
"I will miss Freddy Rodriguez bringing Benjamin Colon to life on my screen, one of my favorite parts of Bull. Sorry to hear this happened," a fan noted on Twitter. One fan speculated, "They just fired Freddy Rodriguez for workplace misconduct. By firing Dushku and keeping Weatherly, it let the cast and crew this behavior is fine, hence the recent firings." "Well with Freddy Rodriguez gone, I will no longer be watching the show @CBS I loved the character Benny on #Bull. He was the reason I watched the show. He was absolutely brilliant in the court room," tweeted a disappointed fan.
I will miss Freddy Rodriguez bringing Benjamin Colon to life on my screen, one of my favorite parts of Bull. Sorry to hear this happened .
— JenfanofBullonCBS (@JenfanofcatsSVU) May 22, 2021
They just fired Freddy Rodriguez for workplace misconduct. By firing Dushku and keeping Weatherly, it let the cast and crew this behavior is fine, hence the recent firings
— Sharkeisha Banks (@CosmicSteeple) May 22, 2021
Well with Freddy Rodriguez gone, I will no longer be watching the show @CBS I loved the character Benny on #Bull. He was the reason I watched the show. He was absolutely brilliant in the court room.
— Emmanuel Parks (@RanEmmanuel) May 22, 2021
In 2018, the show came under the scanner after actress Eliza Dushku revealed that she allegedly faced sexual harassment from co-star Michael Weatherly, and had received $9.5 million in a settlement.