'Mayans MC' co-showrunner Kurt Sutter fired for being 'abrasive d*ck', retains contract with 20th Century Fox TV
Showrunner Kurt Sutter has reportedly been fired from the ‘Sons of Anarchy’ spinoff ‘Mayans MC.'
Sutter supposedly notified the cast and crew of the show on October 17 in an email after several complaints were made about his behavior on the set of the series. As per The Hollywood Reporter, in his mail, Sutter detailed his dismissal by FX CEO John Landgraf and Disney TV Studios and ABC Entertainment chairman Dana Walden, describing himself as an "abrasive d*ck."
According to a copy of the letter procured by The Hollywood Reporter, Sutter wrote, “As you know, I’ve removed myself quite a bit this season, allowing others to take a bigger role in producing the show. It appears that philosophy has backfired. It’s been reported by writers, producers, cast and crew that my absence and subsequent behavior when there, has only created confusion, chaos, hostility and is perceived as abandonment.”He further wrote, “This morning I was fired by Dana Walden and John Landgraf for all the complaints levied against me. Not the way I wanted to end my 18-year relationship with FX”, adding that being fired for “being an abrasive dick” was “on brand."
He apologized to the cast and crew, however, saying that it was not his intention to make them feel unsupported. “My arrogance and chronic distraction has created wreckage. Just know, I adore this cast and crew”, he wrote. Casting an ominous light on the show’s future, Sutter wrote, “I’m not sure what the fate of ‘Mayans MC’ holds. But if it continues, you’ll still be in good hands.
As per reports, Sutter believed to be still under the overall deal he signed with 20th Century Fox Television (now part of Disney TV Studios). The deal kept Sutter at 20th TV and Fox 21 while also adding FX Productions to the portfolio.
Sutter, as per reports, had previously said he was planning to step down from his role as co-showrunner on the series to allow Elgin James, the co-creator and co-showrunner, to run of the show alone. “It’s time for the white man to leave the building”, Sutter said at the show's season two premiere, earlier in August. “If we are lucky enough to have a Season 3, I will be stepping back as day-to-day showrunner and handing the reins to my talented and passionate partner, Elgin James.”
Sutter, according to The Hollywood Reporter, has been outspoken about his management style. In a 2018 interview with the website, he had shared that he had a framed copy of a letter he received detailing his "unprofessional behavior" on Sons of Anarchy and with executives at Fox 21, in his office. "The reason why that letter was hung up in the first place and the reason why it's still there is not about like, 'F*ck you, I'm a bad*ss.' It's about, 'I'm a fuckin' idiot and that behavior creates fucking lawsuits’,” he had said.
Sutter was a writer, producer, director, and actor on the FX series ‘The Shield’ and created ‘Sons of Anarchy’. ‘Mayans MC’ first premiered on September 4, 2018, on FX. The series aired its second season on September 3 and is likely to receive a Season 3 renewal.