The departure of Michael Moriarty from the television series Law & Order in 1994 stemmed from a complex interplay of factors, primarily centering on disagreements with NBC and then-Attorney General Janet Reno regarding censorship and television violence. Moriarty, a staunch advocate for artistic freedom, voiced strong objections to what he perceived as undue influence on creative content.
The actor’s public criticism of Reno and NBC executives, particularly concerning their efforts to regulate television content, created a significant rift. This dispute played out in the media, further escalating tensions between Moriarty and the network. The controversy had a substantial impact on his professional relationship with the show’s producers and NBC.
