In a recent interview on the New York Times’ podcast The Daily, actor Bill Murray opened up about the allegations that led to a $100,000 settlement and ultimately derailed Disney's Searchlight Pictures adaptation of Being Mortal in 2022. This adaptation, based on Atul Gawande’s critically acclaimed nonfiction book about end-of-life and hospice care, faced significant turmoil when accusations of inappropriate behavior against Murray came to light.

Murray, known for his roles in classic films such as Groundhog Day and more recent projects like On the Rocks, discussed the challenges of portraying unlikable characters during the podcast. He stated, “It’s rough stuff” to take on roles that depict unsavory traits, echoing his sentiments about his latest film, The Friend, which stars Naomi Watts.

The conversation turned to the events surrounding the filming of Being Mortal, where Murray reflected on the incident that led to significant repercussions. “I don’t go too many days or weeks without thinking of what happened on Being Mortal,” he admitted, indicating that the experience has lingered in his mind. He elaborated, “I thought I was trying to make peace, but instead, I ended up being barbecued.” This remark highlights the complicated dynamics that occurred on set during the pandemic, where cast and crew were often confined to a single location, wearing masks and navigating unprecedented conditions.

Murray recounted a specific incident involving a kiss shared through masks, explaining that he intended it as a lighthearted gesture during a stressful time. “I gave her a kiss and she was wearing a mask. It wasn’t like I touched her; it was just [makes smooching sound], I gave her a kiss through a mask,” he described. This moment of levity, however, was met with serious consequences when it prompted an HR investigation, resulting in the halt of production.

Reflecting on the situation, Murray expressed confusion over the lack of communication and resolution following the incident. He remarked, “It turned out there [were] preexisting conditions and all this kind of stuff, I’m like, ‘What?’ How is anyone supposed to know anything like that?” His frustration was palpable as he described the lack of dialogue in the aftermath, leading to what he termed “lunatic arbitration.”

When pressed about what he learned from the experience, he replied, “You know, you can teach an old dog new tricks. But I just thought it was a disappointment.” He emphasized that he had misjudged the situation, believing it to be lighthearted when it was clearly not received that way. “To me it’s still funny, the idea that you could give someone a kiss with a mask on,” he insisted, reflecting the absurdity he feels surrounding the incident.

Moreover, Murray defended his intentions, stating that he was trying to inject lightness into a film that dealt with heavy subject matter. He further noted the film's exploration of death and dying, underscoring the importance of humor in addressing such difficult themes.

The discussion inevitably veered toward Murray's past encounters with colleagues, including allegations from actress Lucy Liu regarding on-set difficulties. Murray downplayed these allegations, asserting that the accounts do not represent his overall character. Concerning a notorious incident with actor Richard Dreyfuss from the 1991 film What About Bob?, he clarified that any ashtray incident was misrepresented, claiming it was aimed towards the ceiling rather than at Dreyfuss himself.

Murray also reacted to allegations made by actress Geena Davis, dismissing them as “outrageous.” He remarked on the tendency for people to search for additional negative stories about him following the Being Mortal controversy, highlighting that while there may be a few documented incidents, they do not encapsulate the entirety of his interactions over a career spanning several decades.

Previously, in 2022, Murray had addressed the suspension of Being Mortal, stating, “I did something I thought was funny, and it wasn’t taken that way.” He expressed hope for a resolution, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding in professional relationships. “We’re both professionals. We like each other’s work. We like each other, I think,” he concluded, suggesting that the path to reconciliation is rooted in trust and communication.