Erinn Hayes Says She’s ‘Very Aware’ That Scientology Is Behind ‘Bashing’ of ‘Kevin Can Wait’
Erinn Hayes is weighing in on criticism of her former show, “Kevin Can Wait,” after a slew of social media posts have called for a boycott of the Kevin James comedy series.
The actress, who departed the CBS show over the summer after her character was killed off, has been actively interacting on Twitter with the show’s disgruntled fans — some expressing anger over her departure — and clicking “like” on messages that offer her support. The show added Leah Remini, who played James’ wife in their prior series “The King of Queens,” as a series regular over the summer.
One fan tweeted at Hayes, “U know Scientology is behind bashing #KevinCanWait, right? They have an agenda. No hate here, just sayin.'”
Also Read: 'NCIS' Fans React to Maria Bello's Debut as Pauley Perrette Nears Exit
Hayes replied, “Very aware and don’t condone any of the bashing. Watch the show or don’t, but I find the personal attacks very ugly.”
It’s unclear as to exactly which comments the fan is referring. But high-ranking Scientologists have certainly been critical of former church member Remini, who has denounced the religious group and its practices several times in past years, including criticisms waged on her Emmy-winning A&E series, “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.”
Also Read: 'This Is Us' Surprise Twist Is 'Huge Mic-Drop Moment'
“Whoever suggested to Ms. Hayes that these messages were from Scientologists is purposely misleading her and operating on an anti-religious agenda,” a Scientology spokesperson told TheWrap. “This is pure bigotry.”
The church rep added that Remini has launched a “campaign to incite hate and bigotry,” and pointed out that more details regarding its views about the former “King of Queens” actress can be seen in its video and on its site.
Hayes played Donna, Kevin’s wife, in Season 1, and the show revealed during the Season 2 premiere that the character had died a year ago.
Her tweet is below.
Very aware and don’t condone any of the bashing. Watch the show or don’t, but I find the personal attack’s very ugly.
— erinn hayes (@hayeslady) October 18, 2017
Related stories from TheWrap:
Jamie Lee Curtis Funeral Home Comedy in the Works at CBS
CBS Boss Fires 'Must-See TV' Shot at First-Place NBC: '90s Ad Slogan 'Doesn't Fit Anymore'
CBS Execs on Not Picking Up Any Fall Shows With Female Leads: 'We Are Cognizant of the Issue'
