How 1994 'True Lies' filming was mired by dark sexual allegations from 12-yr-old star Eliza Dushku
RHODE ISLAND, CALIFORNIA: 'Training Day' and 'Rush Hour' come to mind as two examples of the many TV shows that CBS has produced over the past ten years that are based on motion pictures, and 'True Lies' will carry on that tradition. The forthcoming CBS TV series, which will debut on March 1, 2023, is based on James Cameron's 1994 action film of the same name, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. It will also be accessible to anybody with a current Paramount+ subscription.
The debut of the CBS TV series comes along the controversies linked with the 1994 film 'True Lies,' featuring Schwarzenegger and Lee Curtis. During the making of 'True Lies,' Eliza Dushku, 42, claimed that stunt coordinator, Joel Kramer, who was 36 at the time, allegedly sexually assaulted her when she was 12 years old. The actress claimed in a post on her Facebook page that Kramer hurt her on set as revenge for revealing the alleged harassment to a friend. In interviews with specialized publications, Kramer refuted the allegations. Kramer reportedly said, "These are outlandish, manipulated lies. I never sexually molested her … I think she’s making this up in her imagination," as per The Guardian. Dushku portrayed the daughter's character of Schwarzenegger and Lee Curtis in the movie 'True Lies.'
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'Inappropriate sexual behavior'
Dushku, who starred in the movie 'Bring It On' and the TV show 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' had joined the growing list of women who have accused men in the entertainment sector of sexual misconduct. The #MeToo protest movement was sparked by the allegations against Hollywood titan Harvey Weinstein, which he has refuted, and other prominent media and Hollywood figures.
Dushku claimed that she initially informed her parents, two adult friends, and elder brother about what had occurred, but neither she nor they "seemed ready to confront this taboo subject then, nor was I." Dushku alleged that Kramer seduced her to his hotel room, laid her on a bed, and then approached her while wearing only a "flimsy" towel, stroking his body over hers, as per The Guardian.
Dushku's guardian on set, Sue Booth-Forbes, told that Dushku is "telling the truth" and that she reported Kramer's "inappropriate sexual behavior" at the time to "a person of authority" but that no action was taken, as per Variety. After Dushku's accusations against Kramer, the stunt coordinator's agent, Global Production Agency, announced they are breaking their association with him.
James Cameron, the director of the 'True Lies' movie, admitted he was ignorant of Dushku's "heartbreaking" experience and praised her for speaking up. In response to a remark made by Tom Arnold, Schwarzenegger addressed the alleged assault allegations on Twitter and declared that if he had been aware of the abuse while the film was being made, he would have taken immediate action. Referring to Cameron, Lee Curtis, and himself, Schwarzenegger stated, "You bet your a** all of us would have done something."
Tom, you bet your ass all of us would have done something. I’m shocked and saddened for Eliza but I am also proud of her - beyond being a great talent and an amazing woman, she is so courageous. https://t.co/EJJbkdior2
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 16, 2018
'True Lies' TV versus original Schwarzenegger film
In the 1994 action comedy, Schwarzenegger played Harry Tasker, a spy for a secret arm of the American government struggling to balance his personal life with his professional life, which they are unaware of because they think he is a computer salesman. In addition to Schwarzenegger, the 'True Lies' cast also featured Charlton Heston, Jamie Lee Curtis, Art Malik, Tom Arnold, Tia Carrere, Eliza Dushku, Bill Paxton, and Grant Heslov.
The TV adaption of 'True Lies' was written by Matt Nix, a TV writer, and producer who McG first collaborated with on the set of 'Turner and Hooch' several years ago. 'The Comedians' and 'APB' are some of the projects Nix has written for throughout his career. He has also produced shows like 'Burn Notice' and the short FX Marvel series 'The Gifted.'
Howey provided an update on his 'True Lies' TV show adaptation while appearing exclusively to explain his character. The star teased how the CBS action series will vary from the original Arnold Schwarzenegger movie and shared his excitement for the project while praising showrunner Matt Nix's work stating that the CBS action series will be doing its “own thing," as per Screen Rant.