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Busy Philipps Claims James Franco Assaulted Her On The Set Of ‘Freaks And Geeks’

Philipps labels the actor a "bully"

An excerpt from Busy Philipps memoir This will Only Hurt A Little alleges James Franco assaulted the actress on set of a popular ’90s television series.

The 39-year-old claims that while on set of Freak and Geeks, an American teen comedy-drama television series which aired on NBC from 1999-2000, co-star James Franco assaulted her.

James Franco

Radar Online reports that Busy, who has previously spoken to marie claire about managing her anxiety, was directed to gently hit Franco in the chest while delivering her lines, a directive not included in the script.

Busy alleges Franco then broke out of character and assaulted her.

“He grabbed both my arms and screamed in my face, ‘DON’T EVER TOUCH ME AGAIN!’” she wrote in the book. “And he threw me to the ground. Flat on my back. Wind knocked out of me.”

Philipps said Franco stormed off after the assault and that she cried to her co-star Linda Cardellini, who recommended she report the incident.

Philipps and Franco on set of Freaks and Geeks
Philipps and Franco on set of Freaks and Geeks

Busy, who described Franco as a “bully”, said Franco apologised the following day after being directed to do so by management.

The actress said after the apology she did not take the matter further, but noted that Franco, was not formally reprimanded for his behaviour.

Earlier this year, several women came forward with sexual misconduct allegations against Franco.

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