Lucy Liu Reflects on Speaking Out About Bill Murray’s On-Set Conduct

Actor Lucy Liu has addressed her decision to speak out about alleged misconduct by Bill Murray during the filming of Charlie’s Angels in 1999. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Liu reflected on the incident, which she first discussed publicly on the Asian Enough podcast in 2021. At the time, she described Murray’s behavior as “unacceptable” and “inexcusable.”

Liu explained that her decision to confront the situation was instinctive. “I really didn’t think about it,” she said. “I would’ve done that in any situation. I think when I sense something is not right, I am going to protect myself. It’s an innate thing to do if you feel there’s injustice.”

The actor emphasized that her approach to standing up for herself has been a consistent aspect of her career, despite challenges faced by Asian American actors in Hollywood. “There has never been an easy road, for me and for [other Asian American actors],” Liu said. “It’s a group effort. I would never take credit. My career has not been paved by myself.”

Recalling the incident during her 2021 podcast appearance, Liu described how Murray directed unwarranted insults at her on set. “I won’t get into the specifics, but it kept going on and on,” she said. Liu confronted Murray, saying, “I’m so sorry. Are you talking to me?” After confirming that the remarks were directed at her, she stood up for herself, stating, “Some of the language was inexcusable and unacceptable, and I was not going to just sit there and take it.”

The incident gained additional attention after Drew Barrymore, Liu’s Charlie’s Angels co-star, publicly supported Liu on The Drew Barrymore Show. Barrymore commended Liu for addressing the behavior directly and ensuring the team could move forward. “Lucy stood up for herself, and that was the great thing that came out of an unfortunate circumstance,” Barrymore said. “In the workplace, it is so important that we respect each other.”

Liu’s remarks have resurfaced in light of other allegations against Murray. In 2022, production on Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut was suspended following complaints about Murray’s behavior on set. Around the same time, Geena Davis alleged in her memoir Dying of Politeness that Murray harassed her during the making of their 1990 film Quick Change.

Despite the challenges, Liu noted that her self-awareness and instinct to avoid unsafe situations had protected her throughout her career. “Everyone has an instinct, and I don’t know that everyone listens to it, but that’s one thing that I’ve always been able to channel and connect with,” she said.