Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter fired from spinoff Mayans MC for being 'abrasive dick'

The showrunner didn't last a single season following Disney's acquisition of Fox

Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter 'created chaos, confusion and hostility' on-set (Getty Images)

Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter has been fired as showrunner of spinoff series Mayans MC following “multiple complaints” about his on-set behaviour.

Sutter wrote an open letter following his dismissal by FX CEO John Landgraf and Disney TV Studios and ABC Entertainment chairman Dana Walden, in which he said he said he’s “sure it’s true” that his reported action have created ”confusion, chaos [and] hostility”.

He added: “At least being fired for being an abrasive dick is on brand.”

The writer and executive producer was the driving force behind successful FX series Sons of Anarchy, which ran for seven seasons and drew to a close in 2014.

Sutter’s abrasiveness has been detailed in the past, with the man himself wondering how he would fit into the Disney landscape following its acquisition of Fox.

In 2018, he told The Hollywood Reporter he sat down with Disney and “...had a conversation about, ‘This is the current climate. We don’t suspect that you’re going to sabotage anything, but we need to do the due diligence.’ And at first it was disconcerting because I’m like, ‘What does that mean? Does it mean there’s a new watchdog on my shoulder?’ And it didn’t mean any of that. It was basically, ‘We know who you are, we know what you can do, we have to make sure that when new entities come in that we can vouch for [you]. And at the very least we can say we have had this conversation.’”

Mayans MC – which is available to watch in the UK on BBC iPlayer – is currently midway through its second season. Elgin James will take over as sole showrunner should the show get commissioned for a third.

You can read Sutter’s full open letter to the show’s cast and crew, which was obtained by THR, below.

“Dear Team Mayans,

Apparently, Disney HR and Business Affairs has conducted an investigation into the unacceptable conditions that have been created on the set of Mayans in season 2. As you know, I’ve removed myself quite a bit this season, allowing others to take a bigger role in producing the show. It appears that philosophy has backfired. It’s been reported by writers, producers, cast and crew that my absence and subsequent behaviour when there, has only created confusion, chaos, hostility and is perceived as abandonment. Or at least that’s how Disney has interpreted it. I’m sure it’s true.

This morning I was fired by Dana Walden and John Landgraf for all the complaints levied against me. Not the way I wanted to end my 18 year relationship with FX. At least being fired for being an abrasive dick is on brand.

I deeply apologise if I’ve made people feel less than or unsupported. My intention was literally the opposite. But clearly I’ve not been paying attention. My arrogance and chronic distraction has created wreckage. Just know, I adore this cast and crew.

I’m not sure what the fate of Mayans MC holds. But if it continues, you’ll still be in good hands. As I said at the premier, Elgin is ready to take on the challenge of running the show. I’m sure FX will get him the support he needs to find and follow his vision.

For those of you who wanted me gone, you win! For those of you who didn’t, you win too. Although I will no longer be involved, I have no doubt the new team will move things forward with the same quality fans have come to expect.

Thank you for the honour of working with all of you.

I don’t need, nor want, replies or condolences. I know where the love is. And for those of you who have it, I’m sure our paths will cross again.

Best,

ks”