Who Is Frankie Shaw? ‘SMILF’ Star Faces Misconduct Allegations

UPDATE: Dec. 18, 3:27 p.m. EST — Shaw has been cleared after an investigation regarding the alleged misconduct, TheWrap reports. Weaving has been released from her contract.

Original story: Disney's ABC Signature Studio has completed an investigation of actor-showrunner Frankie Shaw for abusive behavior on the set of the Showtime comedy series "SMILF," according to a report Monday in the Hollywood Reporter.

The report notes that Shaw — the creator, executive producer and star of "SMILF" — was accused by numerous employees for inappropriately handled sex scenes, prompting actor Samara Weaving to leave the show after Season 2 while alleging a breach of contract.

Weaving, who has a no nudity clause, claimed that there wasn't a closed set during the filming of a sex scene. Shaw was not on set but apparently had a producer turn on outside monitors without informing the actors. Script supervisor Kristin Calabrese confirmed the incident and said she quickly cleared the room while producer Michael London said the monitors were left on by accident.

During the first season, Shaw reportedly tried to convince Weaving to do a topless scene with 40 minutes notice. THR's source claims that Shaw bullied Weaving when Shaw pulled up her own top to suggest that since she wasn't bothered doing it that Weaving shouldn't be bothered either.

Shaw’s attorney told THR that she did not expose her breasts during this incident.

Variety reports that "SMILF" actor Rosie O’Donnell made network executives aware of the incidents with Shaw and Weaving, triggering ABC Studios’ investigation of Shaw.

The studio said in a statement that they were "committed to a safe work environment, and when we are made aware of issues we address them appropriately. Complaints were brought to our attention after Season 2 production wrapped, and we are investigating. We will take appropriate steps going forward if Season 3 is ordered."

Shaw did not admit to any wrongdoing in her statement to THR: “I work daily to create an environment in which everyone should feel safe, and in which I can continue to grow as a leader and manager. I am now and always have been open to hearing and addressing all concerns and issues that fall within my control. It pains me to learn that anyone felt uncomfortable on my set. I sincerely hope we can work together to resolve any and all issues, as I am committed to creating a workplace in which all people feel safe and heard.”

THR also reported that Shaw had been accused of discriminatory behavior toward black writers on the show.

Shaw reportedly separated writers by race. Shaw’s attorney told THR in a statement that it was unintentional if it ever happened. "Smaller 'breakout' groups are formed solely based on ability and the strengths of the individual writer."

Other allegations from the writers' room involve not being credited properly and not receiving standard pay.

The second season of “SMILF” premieres Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019.

Born Rachel Frances Shaw in Boston, Shaw has emerged as a rising star with the debut of "SMILF" in November 2017, as the show's eight-episode first season earned critical acclaim.

Shaw's reputation grew with the 2015 short film, "SMILF," on which her TV show is based and is loosely inspired by her life.

Showtime's "SMILF" follows a young single mother in Boston. It co-stars O’Donnell and Connie Britton. The 30-minute program received two Golden Globe nominations last year, one for Shaw’s performance and one for best comedy.

Shaw has appeared on shows like "Blue Mountain State," "Mr. Robot" and "Good Girls Revolt." She also appeared in last month’s Amazon Prime series "Homecoming."

There have been some discrepancies about Shaw's age. A profile in Boston.com noted that she said in a March podcast that she is 36 years old.

"Everyone has my age wrong," Shaw said in the podcast. "I am 36. I don’t know how that happened. I think because of this show, ‘Blue Mountain State,’ once, it was recorded wrong."

Shaw is a graduate of Barnard College in New York. She is married to Zach Strauss, who served as a writer on the CBS crime drama "NCIS: New Orleans" and is an executive story editor on "SMILF."

Shaw has a son from a prior relationship.