The team behind the American Idiot Australian musical and shake & stir theatre company have confirmed lead cast member Linden Furnell has been sacked following "inappropriate behaviour".
Furnell, who played the character of Johnny, took to Facebook earlier today claiming he was fired from the musical due to his behaviour in a particular scene during a recent performance alongside fellow lead character Whatsername; The role is currently performed by Phoebe Panaretos, although the specific cast member was not identified by name in Furnell’s statement.
"One night I wasn’t careful and made a mistake," Furnell wrote.
"It was a particularly hot night in an old theatre without suitable aircon and we were both comically sweaty. Without thought, I made a crude allusion to menstruation amongst the banter. It was in poor taste and a lame attempt at humour."
See the full post below.
In a statement given to The Music today, the musical's management confirmed Furnell's dismissal was a "consequence of breaching the company’s ‘Statement of Zero Tolerance to Inappropriate Behaviour’ previously communicated to him and all other company members by company management".
Read their full statement below.
The musical, and the company’s Artistic Director, Nick Skubij, confirmed its position re Mr Furnell’s Facebook claims as follows:
Ahead of the Melbourne opening of American Idiot the musical, Mr Furnell was dismissed from his role in the musical.
Mr Furnell’s dismissal was a consequence of breaching the company’s ‘Statement of Zero Tolerance to Inappropriate Behaviour’ previously communicated to him and all other company members by company management.
The decision to dismiss Mr Furnell was not taken lightly.
Accordingly, and in the interests of a healthy and safe workplace, the company decided to act.
At the time of his dismissal, Mr Furnell advised in writing his acceptance of the termination.
For shake & stir theatre co, the well-being and safety of all our company members and all our employees is our top priority.
