Jason Mitchell has lost his starring role on “The Chi” as well as an upcoming Netflix movie. Plus, he is out of an agent and manager over allegations of misconduct.
The actor has been the lead on the Showtime series since it debuted in 2018 and was on tap to star in the comedy-drama film “Desperados.” However, representatives for Fox 21 and Showtime confirmed to Deadline Monday that Mitchell would not continue on “The Chi” past season 2; they declined to comment further. Good Universe, the production company behind the Netflix flick, confirmed to the industry website that Mitchell has left “Desperados;” they also did not provide further comment.
In addition to losing the acting gigs, Mitchell was also dropped by his agency UTA and management company Authentic Talent & Literary Management. Representatives for both companies affirmed to Deadline that the actor is no longer repped by them. No other details were divulged.
However, The Hollywood Reporter has received word from various sources giving more insight into the nature of the aforementioned companies and productions axing Mitchell.
A source told THR that Tiffany Boone, who plays opposite Mitchell on “The Chi” as his girlfriend, was among several actresses who took issue with the actor. Allegedly, Boone made repeated complaints of sexual harassment and is said to have felt so unsafe with Mitchell that there were times when her fiancé, actor Marque Richardson, came on set when Boone had to shoot with Mitchell.
While the actress declined to comment to the outlet on the matter, the insider went on to state that she finally told Fox 21 producers she couldn’t work with Mitchell any longer. After initially keeping Mitchell on board and releasing Boone at her request to go after other jobs, Mitchell was ultimately let go. The reason that caused the studio to act now isn’t clear.
Additionally, there were other “The Chi” actresses who were alleged to have had issues with Mitchell.
Mitchell’s release from “Desperados” occurred in the last few weeks. His role is now being played by Lamorne Morris. An insider told THR that producers got “specific information which was investigated immediately and thoroughly and dealt with as quickly as possible.”
Plus, sources with Netflix alleged all three of Mitchell’s co-stars had complaints about Mitchell.
There’s also additional information on the actor’s termination from UTA. THR reported he was given the boot several weeks ago. A source told the outlet the agency “made a very quick decision” to terminate the star based on multiple misconduct allegations.
The new round of scrutiny surrounding Mitchell follows a 2016 incident with a woman in which he was accused of slamming her to the ground in a Boston hotel. Mitchell was investigated for the incident.
Mitchell has not spoken out about the newest allegations and his loss of agents and projects.
