Actress Zosia Mamet, known for her role in HBO's *Girls*, has shared a harrowing account of her experience on a popular television show, leading to her abrupt departure. In an excerpt from her essay collection, *Does This Make Me Funny?,* Mamet details a deeply disturbing incident involving the showrunner's abusive behavior. The incident, which took place during a seemingly innocuous rehearsal, quickly escalated into a half-hour-long tirade filled with insults and unprofessional conduct.
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The scene involved Mamet's character taking photographs from a manila envelope. The showrunner, whom Mamet doesn't name, interrupted the rehearsal, publicly berating her for her technique. Mamet describes the showrunner's behavior as intense and aggressive, recounting the humiliating and demoralizing experience in vivid detail. The incident left Mamet feeling isolated and unsupported, as she alleges the rest of the cast and crew passively watched the public humiliation unfold.
The experience proved to be the breaking point for Mamet, who immediately contacted her agents after the rehearsal and quit the show. While Mamet carefully avoids naming the show or the showrunner directly, many fans have speculated that the description strongly points towards *Mad Men* and its creator, Matthew Weiner. This speculation is fueled by details coinciding with Mamet's final scene on the show and the timing of her role within the show's acclaimed run.
The revelation of Mamet's experience adds another layer to the existing controversies surrounding Matthew Weiner. Following the conclusion of *Mad Men*, Weiner faced several allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, adding a somber context to Mamet's account. While Weiner has denied these allegations, Mamet's story further illustrates the potential for abusive behavior to thrive within the seemingly glamorous world of television production. Her bravery in sharing her story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for safer and more respectful working environments within the entertainment industry.
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Originally published at: https://ew.com/zosia-mamet-quit-tv-show-berated-by-showrunner-11806003
