*OWN’s relationship drama “Love Is ___” has been canceled amid allegations by Amber Dixon Brenner, that she was sexually and physically abused by series EP Salim Akil for over a decade.
According to Deadline, the show ranked No. 1 on cable in its time period and averaged 1.2 million viewers. Salim’s wife, Mara Brock Akil, the show’s co-creator and showrunner, has responded to the news on social media, writing:
“LOVE IS___ I am saddened that this great group of #artists and #storytellers will no longer get to create together on this project in this way. This was a special tribe— assembling teams like this is by the grace of God— and I will miss not being on set with them to make more magic. And though I know we will all go on to create more amazing work, I’m grateful there was a moment in time that we came together and had the courage to give our best to try and tell a story about love with love. #InTheLandOf #LoveIs,” she posted.
Congratulations to @MaraBrockAkil & @thesalimakil, @ava, and @tylerperry! Named in @THR‘s 50 Most Powerful TV Showrunners of 2018! https://t.co/pNb64VkahW pic.twitter.com/Fzn3dFM3bP
— Oprah Winfrey Network (@OWNTV) October 17, 2018
The series was based on the real-life power couple, but according to Brenner, “Love Is” comes from the original screenplay that she pitched to Salim in 2016. The cancellation of the series comes weeks after she sued him for domestic violence and breach of contract. OWN reportedly canceled the show in response to these allegations.
Through his attorney, Salim released a statement about Brenner’s claims: “These allegations are deeply upsetting – but they are also totally untrue. We will defend Salim to the fullest, against the false and offensive claims that a woman with whom he had a past relationship has included in multiple unsubstantiated lawsuits. Salim looks forward to clearing his name and to being able to focus on his work and his family.”
In July, Erik Logan, president of OWN, announced the second season: “Mara and Salim have brought their heart and soul to this passion project working with our friends at Warner Horizon Scripted Television and we couldn’t be more thrilled to renew the show for a second season.”
