Premium Content:

Linden Furnell dismissed from American Idiot for inappropriate comment

The company behind Green Day’s rock opera American Idiot have confirmed the removal of lead actor Linden Furnell, following accusations of an inappropriate comment towards a female cast member.

- Advertisement -

Furnell was fired from his role as Johnny just ahead of its opening in Melbourne for breaching shake & stir theatre co’s zero tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour.

“The decision to dismiss Mr Furnell was not taken lightly,” Artistic Director Nick Skubij said in a statement.

“Accordingly, and in the interests of a healthy and safe workplace, the company decided to act.”

Furnell has since responded to his termination on social media, confirming he did make a comment that was deemed inappropriate by his former cast mate.

The role of Johnny will now be played by former The Voice Australia contestant Ben Bennett for the remainder of the Australian tour.

OIP Staff


Support OUTinPerth

Thanks for reading OUTinPerth. We can only create LGBTIQA+ focused media with your help.

If you can help support our work, please consider assisting us through a one-off contribution to our GoFundMe campaign, or a regular contribution through our Patreon appeal.

Become a Supporter→     Make a contribution→ 

Latest

All Out and Matt Beard remain silent on podcast comments

There has been no response from All Out in wake of Better Together podcast controversy.

‘Better Together’-Internal division or right wing sitcom?

Carl Gopalkrishnan on the Better Together podcast incident.

On This Gay Day | Remembering actor River Phoenix

River Phoenix passed away on this day in 1993, he was just 23 years old.

WA’s Australian of the Year nominees revealed

The 2026 Australian of the Year will be announced in Canberra in January.

Newsletter

Don't miss

All Out and Matt Beard remain silent on podcast comments

There has been no response from All Out in wake of Better Together podcast controversy.

‘Better Together’-Internal division or right wing sitcom?

Carl Gopalkrishnan on the Better Together podcast incident.

On This Gay Day | Remembering actor River Phoenix

River Phoenix passed away on this day in 1993, he was just 23 years old.

WA’s Australian of the Year nominees revealed

The 2026 Australian of the Year will be announced in Canberra in January.

A decade of dithering – Labor inaction over protecting teachers and students

A decade has passed since promised to update WA's Equal Opportunity Act.

All Out and Matt Beard remain silent on podcast comments

There has been no response from All Out in wake of Better Together podcast controversy.

‘Better Together’-Internal division or right wing sitcom?

Carl Gopalkrishnan on the Better Together podcast incident.

On This Gay Day | Remembering actor River Phoenix

River Phoenix passed away on this day in 1993, he was just 23 years old.