Fred Willard, a 72-year-old actor, is refuting allegations that he engaged in lewd behavior at an adult movie theater in Los Angeles.
According to TMZ, Willard was arrested on Wednesday during a routine police search of the Tiki Theater, where an adult film parody was being screened.
He was later released from custody.
On Thursday, Willard spoke to a TMZ cameraman outside his lawyer’s office and denied the accusations, calling it a “big misunderstanding.”
He explained that it never happened and attributed his presence at the theater to a “strange situation.”
Willard also expressed gratitude towards the police who handled his arrest, stating that he respected them despite their differing opinions.
He reassured that the matter was currently being resolved.
His attorney, Paul Takakjian, had previously stated that Willard did not commit any wrongdoing and would vigorously defend himself against the charges.
Takakjian emphasized that they believed Willard had not violated any laws.
Following news of his arrest, Willard was fired by PBS from his role as the host of the competition-reality show Market Warriors, a spinoff of Antiques Roadshow.
The decision was made by WGBH, the production company behind the show.
Mark Walberg, the host of Antiques Roadshow, will now provide new narration for the episodes that have already been filmed.
Fred Willard’s denial of the lewd conduct allegations has sparked interest and raised questions about the incident.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen whether Willard will be able to clear his name and regain his position in the entertainment industry.
