Franco still on ‘Deuce’ despite accusations

Multiple accusations of sexual exploitation won’t keep James Franco away from “The Deuce.”

Writer Megan Abbott told Entertainment Tonight on Feb. 10 that the 39-year-old actor will “of course” return to the HBO show, on which he plays twins running the front for the mob in Times Square, for its sophomore season.

Five women accused Franco of inappropriate conduct and abuse of power in an early January Los Angeles Times story, after the actor stood with Time’s Up at the Golden Globes.

One woman, Violet Paley, claims Franco pressured her to perform oral sex on him. Another, Sarah Tither Kaplan, claims the actor removed the protective coverings the women had over their genitals while filming an orgy scene.

Franco has denied the allegations.

“In my life, I pride myself on taking responsibility for things that I’ve done. I have to do that to maintain my well being. I do it whenever I know that there is something wrong and needs to be changed,” he said on “The Late Show” after early allegations. “I can’t live if there’s restitution to be made. I will make it. If I’ve done something wrong, I will fix it. I have to. I think that’s how that works.”

David Simon, the show’s co-creator and executive producer, said HBO had not received complaints about Franco.

“I’m still reading it the same as everyone else, trying to discern what is or isn’t there,” he told Variety in January.

“Personally, I can only speak knowledgeably to ‘The Deuce.’ I’ve checked with all my fellow producers and other personnel. We have no complainant or complaint or any awareness of any incident of concern involving Mr. Franco. Nor has HBO been approached with any complaint. In our experience, he was entirely professional as an actor, director, and producer.”

Oliver likes freedom of being on HBO

HBO’s John Oliver says he and his show, “Last Week Tonight,” would go down screaming if new corporate management imposes restrictions.

HBO’s parent company, Time Warner, is waiting to see if AT&T’s takeover bid will be approved. Oliver says he was drawing a line in the sand by noting on his show last year that AT&T had lousy cellphone service.

Oliver’s show begins its fifth season on Sunday. It has been able to operate with freedom in part because HBO’s business depends on subscribers instead of advertisers.

Oliver says that’s how he likes it.