Filming for the fourth season of Being Mary Jane is currently underway. But, the future of the show remains unclear as the show’s leading actress, Gabrielle Union, is reportedly suing BET.
In a lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the Being Mary Jane star claims the network is attempting to combine seasons four and fine of the drama into one 20-episode season in order to shortchange her by extending the length of the season beyond the terms of her deal.
“Although BET represented and assured Miss Union before she agreed to perform in ‘Being Mary Jane’ that it would never produce more than thirteen (13) episodes per season of the series, BET now wants to shoot twenty (20) episodes of the series back-to-back and cram all of the episodes into a single season in order to fraudulently extend the term of Ms. Union’s contract,” the complaint said.
Union is suing the network for breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation, and is asking to be awarded as much as $1 million.
Under the terms of her deal, BET had the option to extend Union’s employment for four additional seasons beyond the first, with the actress to receive $150,000 per episode for the first four seasons, and $165,000 per episode for a fifth season.
“It is outrageous that BET would treat one of its biggest stars in this manner after all she has done to support the network and contribute its success,” the complaint says.
If you’re interested in working on the new season of BET’s Being Mary Jane, check out the latest casting calls here.
