FX fires Kurt Sutter from Mayans MC after "multiple complaints" over his "abrasive" behavior

The Hollywood Reporter

The Sons of Anarchy creator and former The Shield writer's long association with FX is officially over. Sutter, who already announced he'll exit Mayans MC after Season 2 is completed, sent an email this morning detailing his dismissal by FX CEO John Landgraf and Disney TV Studios and ABC Entertainment chairman Dana Walden, describing himself as an "abrasive d*ck." "In spite of Sutter's departure, the writer and exec producer's (who also delivered Bastard Executioner to the network in 2015) overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV has not been affected," reports The Hollywood Reporter's Lesley Goldberg. "Sutter renewed that pact in January 2018 and was the first producer to re-sign with 20th TV amid its impending sale to Disney. Sources note that the decision was made Wednesday and Sutter's memo was sent early Thursday." Representatives for FX and 20th Century Fox TV declined comment. Sutter has been outspoken in the past about his management style. He has a framed copy of a letter calling out his "unprofessional behavior" after he told a 21st Century Fox executive to "crawl the f*ck out of my a**" during a discussion about keeping the biker drama on budget. "This morning I was fired by Dana Walden and John Landgraf for all the complaints levied against me," Sutter wrote in his email this morning. "Not the way I wanted to end my 18 year relationship with FX. At least being fired for being an abrasive d*ck is on brand. I deeply apologize if I’ve made people feel less than or unsupported. My intention was literally the opposite. But clearly I’ve not been paying attention. My arrogance and chronic distraction has created wreckage. Just know, I adore this cast and crew. I’m not sure what the fate of Mayans MC holds. But if it continues, you’ll still be in good hands. As I said at the premier, (Mayans MC co-creator) Elgin (James) is ready to take on the challenge of running the show. I’m sure FX will get him the support he needs to find and follow his vision. For those of you who wanted me gone, you win! For those of you who didn’t, you win too. Although I will no longer be involved, I have no doubt the new team will move things forward with the same quality fans have come to expect."

• UPDATE: Kurt Sutter blames his ouster on FX's new Disney owners: "In this Disney regime, I’m dangerous to the wholesome brand": "I’ve felt the creative scrutiny of Disney from day one," Sutter wrote in a letter to his inside circle. "Notes on scripts and cuts have been heavy handed. Demanding a level of dumbing-down story and inane PC restraints like I’ve never experienced before. I genuinely feared for the creative future of the storytelling. So I pushed back.Hard. No different than I have in the past. In fact, much tamer than I ever was on SOA. However, I was dealing with personnel who didn’t know me. And my level of… passion. Clearly I ruffled a few mouse ears."