The Deuce creator David Simon defends James Franco amid sexual allegations; Read details

The creator of ‘The Deuce’ David Simon has admitted it publicly that he was proud and happy while working with James Franco even after allegations of sexual misconduct.

By Pinkvilla Desk

Updated on Nov 02, 2019 | 09:39 AM IST | 1.9M

James Franco has been accused of sexual misconduct by five women.

James Franco is one of the best actors of his generation but is he a good human being too? Well, the question was raised some months ago when five women accused James of sexual misconduct. The news divided the whole of Hollywood into two sides. Many were shocked by the allegations but some stood by James' side. One of them is the creator of ‘The Deuce’ David Simon who has come in support of Franco in his recent interview.

Simon was working with Franco in the porn-drama ‘The Deuce’ and has admitted in a recent interview with Rolling Stone that he is ‘proud’ to work with James. The interview was done after the final episode of the show was aired. David discussed the claims and said that “The fundamental difference is that James Franco didn’t seek to use his position to have sex with anyone,” David continued. “There’s not a case of that. He wasn’t using his position or status to try to solicit a sexual favor from anyone. If he had — if that were what the accusation involved — the show would not have gone on. We would have folded up shop and we would have not completed the show.”

We shot the final episode of the Deuce two days ago. I remembered how I walked into my callback audition for the Deuce team shaking like a leaf. Somehow, they still saw through me and believed in me and eventually entrusted me to bring Abby Parker to life. David Simon, George Pelacanos, Nina Noble and Alexa Fogel gave me an opportunity of a lifetime. They brought me on to play amongst some of the most extraordinary, wildly talented actors. I was humbled and inspired daily, in the presence of such immense courage and creativity. It has been a true honor and a privilege. It will be impossibly hard saying goodbye to this cast, crew and part. But Abby has changed me forever, and for that I am immensely grateful. THANK YOU, my deucebag family. I adore and cherish you beyond words. #thedeuce#hbo#davidsimon #georgepelecanos #ninaknoble #alexafogel #alltheactorswhofitinthetag @robotika @davidkrumholtz @zoe.kazan @methodmanofficial #jamesfranco

On the other side, Sarah Tither-Kaplan and Toni Gaal have revealed in their lawsuit that the auditions were sexually exploitative. Also, it has been revealed by the two that James asked them to be a part of an on-camera sex scene. The claims are sadistic but at the moment there are no legal results in our hands. Surely, this has damaged the popularity and fanbase of one of the most beloved actors of this generation.

READ MORE: James Franco: Sexual misconduct allegations not accurate