Director Michael Morris Exits E! Pilot ‘Songbyrd’ Amid Scandal

EXCLUSIVE: Michael Morris has fallen out of directing Songbyrd, one of E!‘s first two scripted pilots. Morris, who previously directed seven episodes of NBC’s Smash, was to reunite with Smash executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, who executive produce the music-themed Songbyrd that centers on songwriter Lauren Byrd (Bethany Joy Lenz), a character loosely inspired by hitmaker Diane Warren, and her staff. The move comes amid controversy surrounding photos released on Tuesday of Morris, a married father of three, kissing Smash star Katharine McPhee. Ironically, Morris’ most recent credit is directing the second episode of ABC’s new drama Betrayal, which chronicles an extramarital affair.