People magazine, citing “a source” close to the reality show, reported earlier this week that Morrison was released because of harassing messages to a female contestant. She allegedly approached producers, who involved Fox, who then fired Morrison after an investigation.
Today, Morrison responded to the allegations.
He then read the alleged message. “Hey, it’s Matthew. If you don’t mind, would love to get your number and talk you through some things.”
“The end,” he said after reading. “I sent this because this dancer and I both share a mutual respect for a choreographer that I’ve known for over 20 years, and I was trying to help her get a job as a choreographer on the show.
He added, “It’s devastating that we live in this world where gossip rules and people’s lives are being thrown around as clickbait. I think this is much bigger than me and this story. Gossip is toxic and it is destroying our society, and we need to do better.”
Morrison said he “in no way” wanted this “to take away from the show,” and wished the contestants and his fellow judges “all the best.”
Earlier this week, he issued a statement blaming “production protocols” for his downfall.
“Having the opportunity to be a judge on So You Think You Can Dance was an incredible honor for me. Therefore, it is my deepest regret to inform you that I will be leaving the show,” Morrison said in a statement provided to Deadline. “After filming the audition rounds for the show and completing the selection of the 12 finalists, I did not follow competition production protocols, preventing me from being able to judge the competition fairly. I cannot apologize enough to all involved and I will be watching alongside you all on what I know will be one of the best seasons yet.”
Sources tell Deadline a new judge, who will join Siwa and Stephen “tWitch’” Boss on the panel, will be announced soon for the next round of competition episodes that will begin on June 15. Morrison appears in a total of four episodes that have been pre-taped.
Cat Deeley serves as host of the long-running series that features skilled dancers ages 18-30, showcasing their talents in various dance styles, including contemporary, tap, hip-hop, ballroom, animation and breaking.
The series is produced by Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment and MRC. Rosie Seitchik serves as showrunner and will exec produce alongside co-creator Lythgoe, Jeff Thacker, Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman.
