David O. Russell Denies Saying N-Word After Madden Actors Walkout

The production of David O. Russell’s upcoming John Madden biopic has reportedly run into some issues.

According to a report from World of Reel, things got heated while on set for the upcoming film after Russell allegedly used the n-word during a monologuing workshop. The moment, according to the report, caused one actor and several other members of the production to walk off the set.

The report notes that the issue came about as Russell was working with an actor on an impromptu monologue. While speaking to the actor via an earpiece, Russell began feeding the actor lines to say, which also reportedly included the n-word.

According to a separate report from TMZ on the matter, however, sources on the production say that Russell did not say the word while shooting any scene and that the idea to include the word in the monologue was originally the actor’s idea. TMZ’s report also notes that, a day earlier, Russell had an “unprofessional” reaction after the same actor refused to be in a nude scene in a locker room setting.

TMZ’s report goes on to mention that, although the actor walked out and intended to quit, the door to return is still open, and it remains an ongoing conversation.

Madden chronicles the life and legacy of John Madden. It traces his rise from Super Bowl-winning coach to one of the most recognizable voices in football. The film shows how Madden left coaching due to health concerns. It also highlights his role in developing the Madden NFL video game series. The movie explores his later success as a broadcaster and pitchman.

(Source: World of Reel, TMZ)