'Project Runway' Future in Question as Deal for More Seasons Is Scrapped
How is "Project Runway" going to Make It Work in a post-Weinstein world?
The "Project Runway All Stars" Season 6 finale aired Thursday, April 5, and now it's not clear when any show in the franchise might return. Everything is up in the air thanks to the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the bankruptcy of The Weinstein Company.
The Weinstein Company owns "Project Runway." A+E Networks runs Lifetime, which currently airs all of the "Project Runway" shows. "Project Runway Junior." ("Project Runway" Season 16 aired its finale in November 2017.)
But now Variety reports that A+E scrapped that deal -- and they scrapped it back in January. It's only coming to light now through a Tuesday filing in the Weinstein Co. bankruptcy, which argues that Weinstein's sexual misconduct constituted a breach of the agreement.
As Heidi Klum always says: One day you're in, and the next day you're out.
Here's more from Variety:
"Specifically, A+E alleged the Weinstein Co. had failed to operate a workplace within the bounds of the law, failed to notify A+E of potential legal claims, and failed to abide by A+E standards and practices. A+E also rescinded a separate licensing agreement for a 'Project Runway' movie. Weinstein has been accused of using his connection to 'Project Runway' and to the fashion industry to gain access to young models."
Yikes. So now what? A+E wants to acquire "Project Runway," Variety added, and it's reportedly in negotiations for future seasons. If that goes through, then the transition may be seamless. (If "All Stars" continues, do you think Weinstein's wife, Georgina Chapman, will stay on as a judge?)
Stay tuned for updates on what happens to the entire "Project Runway" franchise. Fingers crossed that Lifetime gets to keep it. If not, hopefully another network can pick it up. (Maybe it can go back to Bravo like the early seasons?) Just please don't cancel it!
Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook.