Daniel Fienberg wrote a great piece yesterday detailing the aspects of the situation and where it went wrong.
When actors are candid about their feelings on shows, it should be celebrated. Rarely do you see an actor honestly give an opinion of a show. Big Love is a decent show which has many problems, but also characters and ideas that outstrip almost all dramas. Season 4, without question, was garbage. It's a view held by most fans and Chloe Sevigny articulating the same thoughts shouldn't be a problem. The interviewer goes further with specifics, and she complies, explaining what didn't work for her.
Then she goes to Michael Ausiello, an unscrupulous, egomaniacal, self-promoter, to revise her comments, in the process, blaming the interviewer for her comments. In an unnecessary interview, there are also unnecessary targets, least of which should be the one who asks questions. She also goes on about out of context statements which is pretty stupid since the whole transcript was posted.
It's fine if she wants to apologize to showrunners privately--it's best not to have an awkward relationship with people she works closely with--but to come out an apologize publicly? What does the public gain from hearing her new comments? Does she save face? Do the executive producers save face?
One has to wonder what is going on behind the scenes. Readers have to assume Sevigny's first opinion, her real opinion, is the most genuine and unadorned. After, we don't know who was directing her or pushing her to make another statement. No one (other than Ausiello who can toot his horn) has anything to gain. We all know her general opinion on Season 4. Actors, like everyone else, should be allowed to state their opinions, especially if backed up with evidence.
