‘The Real O’Neals’ Exec Producer on Star’s Controversial Comments: “We’ve All Said Things We Wish We Hadn’t”

Galvin was the subject of backlash in June when he opened up about Hollywood's "glass closet" in an interview. Getty Images

Galvin was the subject of backlash in June when he opened up about Hollywood's "glass closet" in an interview.

The executive producers behind The Real O'Neals spoke publicly for the first time about star Noah Galvin's controversial comments earlier this summer when they appeared Thursday at the Television Critics Association summer press tour.

The Real O'Neals star landed in hot water when he disparaged several other actors, including fellow network star Eric Stonestreet, during a June interview with Vulture.

In the lengthy Q&A about Hollywood's "glass closet," as Galvin called it, the young actor described Colton Haynes' recent coming out as "f–ing pussy bullshit." He then discussed Stonestreet's portrayal of a gay husband and father on Modern Family as a "caricature of a caricature" in addition to a comment about underage boys aimed at Bryan Singer which was later removed from the story.

Although Galvin was quick to apologize for his "brazen and hurtful comments," the controversy still put the future of the sophomore comedy into serious question. (The midseason comedy was renewed just days ahead of ABC's Upfront presentation in May.)

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the possibility of a reduced episode order was discussed at ABC and an executive producer on the series was "begging the network not to take action."

However, executive producer Casey Johnson refuted that report. "That part of that story is not true. There wasn't any threat to cut our order," she told reporters. "ABC's been incredibly supportive. There wasn't much going on behind the scenes. The article came out and Noah regretted what he said and apologized really quickly. I think we've all said things we wish we hadn't. It's all good, and we all got back to work. There wasn't that much buzzing behind the scenes."

The Real O'Neals centers on a teenage boy who comes out to Irish Catholic family and the subsequent obstacles. One of the executive producers behind the series, who was not present at summer press tour Thursday, is "Savage Love" columnist, "It Gets Better" project creator and LGBTQ activist Dan Savage.

The half-hour comedy is currently slated to return sometime midseason on ABC.

The Real O’Neals Television Critics Association

Kate Stanhope