After the release of a controversial audio recording concerning the actor, the comedy film Ted 2 reportedly fired Stephen Collins. Ted 2, helmed by Seth MacFarlane, decided not to involve Collins in the film after news broke that the actor allegedly admitted to molesting and exposing himself to young girls.
TMZ has obtained an audio recording that Collins’ wife Faye Grant had made during therapy sessions in 2012, where Collins admitted to molesting or exposing himself to several young girls. Production sources close to Ted 2 revealed to TMZ that Collins was immediately fired after the site posted the recording. Also, a source from The David Lynch Foundation told TMZ that Collins had resigned his post as Co-Director for its Committee for Stress-Free Schools two years ago for “personal reasons”. After TMZ called the Foundation, Collins’ name was reportedly removed from the website of the Committee.
Stephen Collins FIRED from “Ted 2” http://t.co/2FHjWKn8ql #7thHeaven pic.twitter.com/YYNXQDPnOY
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 8, 2014
According to Entertainment Weekly, Collins has yet to be charged with a crime, but the audio recording and the ongoing investigation of the New York Police Department were enough for MacFarlane and Universal Pictures to make a decision on having him in Ted 2. Representatives of Ted 2 have reportedly confirmed the firing of Collins, and sources close to the film have said that the removal of his character would not affect its final outcome.
Collins hinted about his involvement in Ted 2 on Saturday, when he responded to a fan asking him what his role was in the movie. He tweeted, “I’d tell you but @SethMacFarlane would have to kill me.” Meanwhile, Ted 2 has begun filming and will be released on June 26, 2015.
I’d tell you but @SethMacFarlane would have to kill me. RT @Rene_Auer: @StephenCollins What is your role in TED 2 ?
— Stephen Collins (@StephenCollins) October 4, 2014
Collins will apparently not be seen on TV either, as a representative for TV Guide Network has reportedly confirmed that it will stop airing reruns of his show 7th Heaven because of the abuse allegations.