On Aziz Ansari Being Mortal,’ Bill Murray was accused of inappropriate behaviour, according to a report.

Due to concerns about Bill Murray’s improper behaviour on set, Searchlight Pictures has halted production on “Being Mortal,” a new film starring Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen, and Bill Murray.

On Wednesday, the studio informed the cast and crew of the film that production had been halted owing to an unnamed complaint. “We were made aware of a complaint late last week, and we quickly looked into it,” the note stated. Though insiders said the production pause had nothing to do with COVID-19 or Ansari or Rogen at the time, it was unclear what precipitated the halt.

Searchlight Pictures did not respond to a request for comment on the probe. Murray’s status in the picture is unknown, as is whether he will be replaced. Before work was halted this week, about half of the film had been filmed since main photography began at the end of March.
While the basis of Murray’s complaint is unknown, this isn’t the first time he’s had a run-in with the law on set. Following a scene rewrite without Murray’s knowledge on the 2000 action comedy “Charlie’s Angels,” actor Lucy Liu reportedly confronted Murray for “hurling obscenities” at her.

Last year, Liu spoke up for the first time about the event, calling Murray’s actions “inexcusable and reprehensible.”

She told the Los Angeles Times, “I stuck up for myself, and I don’t regret it.” “Because there’s no need to condescend or put other people down, no matter how low on the totem pole you are or where you come from.”

Ansari, who developed the Netflix comedy “Master of None,” is working on the project in four capacities. In addition to performing in “Being Mortal,” he is writing, directing, and producing the film. In 2023, Searchlight plans to distribute the picture in theatres.

“We are incredibly appreciative to all of you for all you’ve put into this project,” Searchlight said in a message to production on Wednesday. Our goal is to restart production, and we’re working with Aziz and [producer Youree Henley] to figure out how to do that.

Production will contact you to discuss the wrap, and we will update you as soon as new information becomes available.”

The film is based on Atul Gawande’s nonfiction book “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End,” which was published in 2014. Gawande, a practising surgeon, believes his book, which is about ageing, patients’ fears of death, and doctors’ proclivity for false optimism, has the potential to “transform medicine — and lives.” The book examines the limitations and failings of modern medicine toward the end of a person’s life via reflections and personal anecdotes. The plot is yet to be revealed. As a result, it’s unclear who will portray Ansari, Rogen, or Murray in the film.

After sexual assault charges were levied against him in 2018, Ansari, the star of “Parks and Recreation,” took a hiatus from Hollywood. With “Master of None: Moments in Love” and his sixth stand-up special, “Nightclub Comedian,” he has returned to film and television.