In the world of prestige television, the behind-the-scenes scandals are often as dramatic as what ends
In the world of prestige television, the behind-the-scenes scandals are often as dramatic as what ends

up on the screen.
up on the screen.

As one of the biggest names in prestige TV, HBO is no stranger to controversy.
As one of the biggest names in prestige TV, HBO is no stranger to controversy.

With that in mind, here are HBO's biggest scandals ever.
With that in mind, here are HBO's biggest scandals ever.

As the producers of Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have brought loads
As the producers of Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have brought loads

of attention and Emmy Awards to HBO.
of attention and Emmy Awards to HBO.

As that series was nearing the end of its run, the two looked ahead to their next projects.
As that series was nearing the end of its run, the two looked ahead to their next projects.

In July 2017, HBO ordered a drama series from the pair called Confederate, which was to
In July 2017, HBO ordered a drama series from the pair called Confederate, which was to

be set in the contemporary United States just before a third Civil War in an alternate reality
be set in the contemporary United States just before a third Civil War in an alternate reality

where slavery endured.
where slavery endured.

The producers and HBO were met with immediate backlash over the news.
The producers and HBO were met with immediate backlash over the news.

Actor David Harewood predicted that many Black actors would refuse to appear in the show,
Actor David Harewood predicted that many Black actors would refuse to appear in the show,

and activist April Reign organized a #NoConfederate protest on Twitter.
and activist April Reign organized a #NoConfederate protest on Twitter.

HBO then issued a statement that read in part,
HBO then issued a statement that read in part,

"We have great respect for the dialogue and concern being expressed around Confederate
"We have great respect for the dialogue and concern being expressed around Confederate

[...] The project is currently in its infancy so we hope that people will reserve judgment
[...] The project is currently in its infancy so we hope that people will reserve judgment

until there is something to see."
until there is something to see."

Ultimately, though, there was never anything to see, as Confederate was never actually
Ultimately, though, there was never anything to see, as Confederate was never actually

produced, partly due to Benioff and Weiss' busy schedules.
produced, partly due to Benioff and Weiss' busy schedules.

Comedian T.J. Miller played opportunistic leech Erlich Bachman during the first four
Comedian T.J. Miller played opportunistic leech Erlich Bachman during the first four

seasons of Silicon Valley, HBO's scathing satire of the Northern California tech industry.
seasons of Silicon Valley, HBO's scathing satire of the Northern California tech industry.

At the end of Season Four, Erlich flew to Asia and was tricked into living in a permanently
At the end of Season Four, Erlich flew to Asia and was tricked into living in a permanently

drugged-out state in an opium den.
drugged-out state in an opium den.

That dramatic plot twist was also how Silicon Valley producers got rid of Miller, with whom
That dramatic plot twist was also how Silicon Valley producers got rid of Miller, with whom

they'd been having conflicts for some time.
they'd been having conflicts for some time.

As co-creator Mike Judge told The Hollywood Reporter in 2017,
As co-creator Mike Judge told The Hollywood Reporter in 2017,

"It was kind of becoming clear that he didn't want to do the show anymore."
"It was kind of becoming clear that he didn't want to do the show anymore."

Miller often reportedly showed up to tapings or table reads late, unprepared, or sometimes
Miller often reportedly showed up to tapings or table reads late, unprepared, or sometimes

not at all.
not at all.

As Judge explained to THR in another interview,
As Judge explained to THR in another interview,

"It's not fun to work with someone who doesn't want to be there."
"It's not fun to work with someone who doesn't want to be there."

Miller remembered things a little differently, though.
Miller remembered things a little differently, though.

As he put it to THR himself, his exit from the show, quote, "felt like a breakup."
As he put it to THR himself, his exit from the show, quote, "felt like a breakup."

He claimed that the initial plan was to reduce his appearances from 10 episodes a season
He claimed that the initial plan was to reduce his appearances from 10 episodes a season

to as few as three, which was fine by him, as he was so busy with other opportunities,
to as few as three, which was fine by him, as he was so busy with other opportunities,

and he was ready to leave the show altogether.
and he was ready to leave the show altogether.

"Let's hit the road.
"Let's hit the road.

We're gonna piss in everyone's car.
We're gonna piss in everyone's car.

Ha ha!
Ha ha!

Am I using that right?"
Am I using that right?"

Based on a 1973 movie written and directed by Jurassic Park novelist Michael Crichton,
Based on a 1973 movie written and directed by Jurassic Park novelist Michael Crichton,

Westworld imagines a future in which the wealthy attend immersive theme parks staffed by hyper-realistic
Westworld imagines a future in which the wealthy attend immersive theme parks staffed by hyper-realistic

humanoid robots who serve their every whim.
humanoid robots who serve their every whim.

Everything in the Westworld park is fake, and there's a lot of CGI required to make
Everything in the Westworld park is fake, and there's a lot of CGI required to make

the show come to life, and yet producers opted to use real elephants for a Season 2 episode
the show come to life, and yet producers opted to use real elephants for a Season 2 episode

in 2018.
in 2018.

One of the two elephants employed was loaned out to the production by an animal casting
One of the two elephants employed was loaned out to the production by an animal casting

company called Have Trunk Will Travel.
company called Have Trunk Will Travel.

That company has come under scrutiny in the past for its aggressive and allegedly abusive
That company has come under scrutiny in the past for its aggressive and allegedly abusive

treatment of elephants, including hitting, poking with a bullhook, and the use of electric
treatment of elephants, including hitting, poking with a bullhook, and the use of electric

shock.
shock.

As PETA official Lauren Thomasson wrote in an open letter to HBO,
As PETA official Lauren Thomasson wrote in an open letter to HBO,

"In light of the egregious cruelty and human health risks as well as the public's growing
"In light of the egregious cruelty and human health risks as well as the public's growing

opposition to the use of animals for entertainment [...] we're urging HBO to commit to not using
opposition to the use of animals for entertainment [...] we're urging HBO to commit to not using

any wild animals in future episodes or other series."
any wild animals in future episodes or other series."

HBO then released a statement assuring PETA and the public,
HBO then released a statement assuring PETA and the public,

"All of the animals featured on HBO series are treated with the utmost care and respect
"All of the animals featured on HBO series are treated with the utmost care and respect

for their health, safety, and well-being."
for their health, safety, and well-being."

A new show created by David Milch was bound to be a major event at HBO.
A new show created by David Milch was bound to be a major event at HBO.

Back in 2004, he brought the acclaimed revisionist western Deadwood to the channel.
Back in 2004, he brought the acclaimed revisionist western Deadwood to the channel.

And then in 2011, he unveiled Luck, a series about the denizens of a horse racing track.
And then in 2011, he unveiled Luck, a series about the denizens of a horse racing track.

The rest of the talent was also significant, as it starred Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte,
The rest of the talent was also significant, as it starred Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte,

and Michael Mann produced and directed the first episode.
and Michael Mann produced and directed the first episode.

HBO ordered a second season just days after the series premiere.
HBO ordered a second season just days after the series premiere.

But then just weeks later, they cancelled the whole thing.
But then just weeks later, they cancelled the whole thing.

The shocking reason: horses were dying during the production.
The shocking reason: horses were dying during the production.

As reported by Forbes, during the filming of a racing sequence in the pilot, one horse
As reported by Forbes, during the filming of a racing sequence in the pilot, one horse

fell and broke a leg and was soon thereafter euthanized.
fell and broke a leg and was soon thereafter euthanized.

Another horse had to be put down during the filming of a later episode, and a third suffered
Another horse had to be put down during the filming of a later episode, and a third suffered

a fatally broken neck and other injuries when it fell while being guided to a stable by
a fatally broken neck and other injuries when it fell while being guided to a stable by

handlers.
handlers.

As HBO explained in a statement,
As HBO explained in a statement,

"It is with heartbreak that executive producers David Milch and Michael Mann, together with
"It is with heartbreak that executive producers David Milch and Michael Mann, together with

HBO have decided to cease all future production on the series Luck [...] While we maintained
HBO have decided to cease all future production on the series Luck [...] While we maintained

the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible
the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible

to guarantee they won't in the future."
to guarantee they won't in the future."

In December 2020, WarnerMedia announced that many of its most significant 2021 movies would
In December 2020, WarnerMedia announced that many of its most significant 2021 movies would

debut the same day in movie theaters and on HBO Max, its new streaming service.
debut the same day in movie theaters and on HBO Max, its new streaming service.

Among the high-profile films included in this plan were the likes of Godzilla vs. Kong,
Among the high-profile films included in this plan were the likes of Godzilla vs. Kong,

Dune, and Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Dune, and Space Jam: A New Legacy.

The main reason was that the shutdown of movie theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic had
The main reason was that the shutdown of movie theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic had

affected the way the company operated.
affected the way the company operated.

As Warner Bros. executive Ann Sarnoff explained,
As Warner Bros. executive Ann Sarnoff explained,

"No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do.
"No one wants films back on the big screen more than we do.

We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with
We know new content is the lifeblood of theatrical exhibition, but we have to balance this with

the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout
the reality that most theaters in the U.S. will likely operate at reduced capacity throughout

2021."
2021."

"So we are in the process, having many conversations with the talent, the agents, and the exhibitors."
"So we are in the process, having many conversations with the talent, the agents, and the exhibitors."

Unfortunately, Warner made this announcement without letting filmmakers know that their
Unfortunately, Warner made this announcement without letting filmmakers know that their

movies would appear on much smaller screens than they'd intended.
movies would appear on much smaller screens than they'd intended.

And that idea upset some major Hollywood directors.
And that idea upset some major Hollywood directors.

As Judd Apatow put it at a Variety event,
As Judd Apatow put it at a Variety event,

"It's the type of disrespect that you hear about in the history of show business.
"It's the type of disrespect that you hear about in the history of show business.

But to do that to just every single person that you work with is really somewhat stunning."
But to do that to just every single person that you work with is really somewhat stunning."

Christopher Nolan was a bit more blunt while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, as he
Christopher Nolan was a bit more blunt while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, as he

said,
said,

"Some of our industry's biggest filmmakers and most important movie stars went to bed
"Some of our industry's biggest filmmakers and most important movie stars went to bed

the night before thinking they were working for the greatest movie studio and woke up
the night before thinking they were working for the greatest movie studio and woke up

to find out they were working for the worst streaming service."
to find out they were working for the worst streaming service."

Big Love can accurately be called a family drama, but since it aired on HBO, there was
Big Love can accurately be called a family drama, but since it aired on HBO, there was

a bit of a twist.
a bit of a twist.

It told the story of a man, his wife, his other wife, and his third wife, and all the
It told the story of a man, his wife, his other wife, and his third wife, and all the

kids they had between them as they lived their fundamentalist Mormon lives in secret in present-day
kids they had between them as they lived their fundamentalist Mormon lives in secret in present-day

Utah.
Utah.

Neither traditionalist religious sects nor polygamy had really been explored on TV before
Neither traditionalist religious sects nor polygamy had really been explored on TV before

Big Love, and the series earned a slew of awards recognition, including an Emmy nomination
Big Love, and the series earned a slew of awards recognition, including an Emmy nomination

for Outstanding Drama Series.
for Outstanding Drama Series.

But on more than one occasion, the show upset members of the real-life Church of Latter
But on more than one occasion, the show upset members of the real-life Church of Latter

Day Saints, who are colloquially referred to as Mormons.
Day Saints, who are colloquially referred to as Mormons.

As reported by NPR, they thought that the show didn't do a good enough job to differentiate
As reported by NPR, they thought that the show didn't do a good enough job to differentiate

between polygmay-practicing fundamentalist groups and the mainstream LDS church, which
between polygmay-practicing fundamentalist groups and the mainstream LDS church, which

doesn't support polygamy.
doesn't support polygamy.

In 2009, one Big Love episode crossed the line for many LDS adherents when it depicted
In 2009, one Big Love episode crossed the line for many LDS adherents when it depicted

one of the church's sacred and secret rituals.
one of the church's sacred and secret rituals.

Performed before a Mormon enters a marriage, the "endowment ceremony" uses sacred language,
Performed before a Mormon enters a marriage, the "endowment ceremony" uses sacred language,

and only other church members may witness it.
and only other church members may witness it.

LDS churchgoers called for HBO to not air the episode, but the network went ahead anyway,
LDS churchgoers called for HBO to not air the episode, but the network went ahead anyway,

although it did release an apology.
although it did release an apology.

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel reports on the issues surrounding athletics with the
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel reports on the issues surrounding athletics with the

kind of curious and hard-hitting long-form reporting usually reserved for politics and
kind of curious and hard-hitting long-form reporting usually reserved for politics and

social issues.
social issues.

Over the course of its run, it's won acclaim in the form of 33 Sports Emmys.
Over the course of its run, it's won acclaim in the form of 33 Sports Emmys.

About a decade into its run, the show picked a fight with one of its favorite topics: the
About a decade into its run, the show picked a fight with one of its favorite topics: the

National Football League.
National Football League.

In an August 2006 episode, Gumbel criticized outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and
In an August 2006 episode, Gumbel criticized outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and

NFL Players Association president Gene Upshaw.
NFL Players Association president Gene Upshaw.

His aim appeared to be to make new commissioner Roger Goodell aware of what he perceived to
His aim appeared to be to make new commissioner Roger Goodell aware of what he perceived to

be a union head that stood down to the league as a matter of course.
be a union head that stood down to the league as a matter of course.

As Gumbel put it,
As Gumbel put it,

"Before he cleans out his office, have Paul Tagliabue show you where he keeps Gene Upshaw's
"Before he cleans out his office, have Paul Tagliabue show you where he keeps Gene Upshaw's

leash.
leash.

By making the docile head of the players union his personal pet, your predecessor has kept
By making the docile head of the players union his personal pet, your predecessor has kept

the peace without giving players the kind of guarantees other pros take for granted.
the peace without giving players the kind of guarantees other pros take for granted.

Try to make sure no one competent ever replaces Upshaw on your watch."
Try to make sure no one competent ever replaces Upshaw on your watch."

Tagliabue didn't really take the bait in response, as he called Gumbel's comments, quote, "as
Tagliabue didn't really take the bait in response, as he called Gumbel's comments, quote, "as

uninformed as anything I've read or heard in a long, long time."
uninformed as anything I've read or heard in a long, long time."

In 2014, Ari Shavit, a columnist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, published the nonfiction
In 2014, Ari Shavit, a columnist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, published the nonfiction

book My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel.
book My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel.

It aimed to tell the modern history of the Middle Eastern nation through intimate sources
It aimed to tell the modern history of the Middle Eastern nation through intimate sources

via diary entries, letters, and interviews.
via diary entries, letters, and interviews.

It sold well and won several awards, and in 2015 HBO bought the adaptation rights and
It sold well and won several awards, and in 2015 HBO bought the adaptation rights and

started pre-production on a documentary film based on the book.
started pre-production on a documentary film based on the book.

As HBO chairman Richard Plepler said at an industry conference,
As HBO chairman Richard Plepler said at an industry conference,

"The book left me awestruck and as moved as I've been maybe ever.
"The book left me awestruck and as moved as I've been maybe ever.

When I first approached him, I said to Ari that I’ve waited my whole adult life to
When I first approached him, I said to Ari that I’ve waited my whole adult life to

find this book."
find this book."

But then in 2016, Shavit was accused of sexual assault by another Israeli journalist, and
But then in 2016, Shavit was accused of sexual assault by another Israeli journalist, and

then of more improper behavior by a staff member of an Israel advocacy organization.
then of more improper behavior by a staff member of an Israel advocacy organization.

Shavit apologized, though he also lost his job at Haaretz.
Shavit apologized, though he also lost his job at Haaretz.

Before HBO could make a decision on whether or not the film version of My Promised Land
Before HBO could make a decision on whether or not the film version of My Promised Land

was still on, two more women accused Shavit of acts of assault.
was still on, two more women accused Shavit of acts of assault.

He apologized once again, and the movie never happened.
He apologized once again, and the movie never happened.

From 1992 to 2002, comedian Bill Maher hosted the ABC show Politically Incorrect, a panel-style
From 1992 to 2002, comedian Bill Maher hosted the ABC show Politically Incorrect, a panel-style

talk show on which Maher and his guests would comically discuss the issues of the day.
talk show on which Maher and his guests would comically discuss the issues of the day.

But the series was cancelled after Maher called American military policy cowardly in the wake
But the series was cancelled after Maher called American military policy cowardly in the wake

of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"We have been the cowards, lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away.
"We have been the cowards, lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away.

That's cowardly."
That's cowardly."

In 2003, HBO hired Maher to revive and virtually re-create the show as Real Time with Bill
In 2003, HBO hired Maher to revive and virtually re-create the show as Real Time with Bill

Maher.
Maher.

But his old show would play a big part in a notable snafu on his new show.
But his old show would play a big part in a notable snafu on his new show.

During a 2010 Real Time episode, Maher aired a Politically Incorrect clip from 1999 that
During a 2010 Real Time episode, Maher aired a Politically Incorrect clip from 1999 that

featured Delaware senatorial candidate Christine O'Donnell mentioning that she'd, quote, "dabbled
featured Delaware senatorial candidate Christine O'Donnell mentioning that she'd, quote, "dabbled

into witchcraft."
into witchcraft."

Following this, O'Donnell became the media's most covered senatorial candidate in the 2010
Following this, O'Donnell became the media's most covered senatorial candidate in the 2010

midterms, according to the Pew Research Center, although she nevertheless lost her election.
midterms, according to the Pew Research Center, although she nevertheless lost her election.

Then in 2012, Maher invited O'Donnell onto Real Time and apologized.
Then in 2012, Maher invited O'Donnell onto Real Time and apologized.

As he put it,
As he put it,

"I know when I brought out the witch tape I made your life hell, and I'm sorry about
"I know when I brought out the witch tape I made your life hell, and I'm sorry about

that."
that."

Girls was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about new shows of 2012.
Girls was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about new shows of 2012.

Created by series lead Lena Dunham, the show concerned four twenty-something women living
Created by series lead Lena Dunham, the show concerned four twenty-something women living

in New York City as they try to get their messy professional and social lives on track.
in New York City as they try to get their messy professional and social lives on track.

Critics were particularly concerned that a show purporting to be the voice of the millennial
Critics were particularly concerned that a show purporting to be the voice of the millennial

generation didn't include any people of color.
generation didn't include any people of color.

"I may be the voice of my generation.
"I may be the voice of my generation.

Or at least a voice of a generation."
Or at least a voice of a generation."

Later on in Girls' run, it generated a lot of ink over its frank and startling depictions
Later on in Girls' run, it generated a lot of ink over its frank and startling depictions

of sexuality.
of sexuality.

Vulture, for one, wondered if an unsettling Season Two encounter between the characters
Vulture, for one, wondered if an unsettling Season Two encounter between the characters

Adam and Natalia constituted assault.
Adam and Natalia constituted assault.

There was also significant behind-the-scenes drama during the show's time on the air.
There was also significant behind-the-scenes drama during the show's time on the air.

Early during production of Season 3, Christopher Abbott, who played the character Charlie,
Early during production of Season 3, Christopher Abbott, who played the character Charlie,

suddenly left the series.
suddenly left the series.

As a source told Page Six,
As a source told Page Six,

"[He was] at odds with Lena.
"[He was] at odds with Lena.

[He] didn't like the direction things are going in."
[He] didn't like the direction things are going in."

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available.

Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline
Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline

at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).