David Lim is on the side of the fans calling out Shemar Moore for moving on with a S.W.A.T. spinoff sans the original cast.
Lim, 41, broke his silence about the drama on Wednesday, May 28, with a statement that received tons of feedback.
“I’m proud of how we fought for a ninth season. We believed we still had more to give, more stories to tell,” he said in a part. “I’d be lying if I said the rollout of the new spinoff didn’t sting. It was tough to see it announced just two days after our finale — with no mention of the cast who helped build S.W.A.T. from day one.”
The actor, who played Tan since S.W.A.T. premiered in 2017, subsequently “liked” several telling comments about the spinoff.
Shemar Moore’s Shocking ‘S.W.A.T’ Spinoff Drama Explained Amid Cast Backlash
“No other version can replace this SWAT family,” read one response, while another made a dig at the Exiles series, “Treat em like family apparently doesn’t apply moving forward and that’s a shame!”
There were several social media users who praised Lim for “speaking up.”
“You all together are what made the show work. And you should all be proud of the work you did!” the S.W.A.T fan wrote. “As far as the spin off goes Moore needs to remember it was the whole cast that made SWAT work not just one man!”
Lim also received praise for his “very professional” approach. “I couldn’t imagine the hurt that is going on with everyone. I’m hoping several get brought in to the one, whether from the start or even some episodes in,” read another response. “I think a spin off can have its advantage, but it’s a team effort and at least part of the team should be involved. I do hope some of them are fighting for that to happen. It would be great to even have it mix together to give transformation for the both.”
S.W.A.T. came to an end on CBS earlier this month following multiple cancellations. Days later, Sony Pictures Television picked S.W.A.T up for a spinoff with a show where Moore’s character “is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits,” according to the synopsis.
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The only problem? Moore, 55, was the only cast member who returned despite season 8 stars Lim, Jay Harrington, Patrick St. Esprit, Anna Enger Ritch, Annie Ilonzeh and Niko Pepaj advocating for the show’s return.
“Nobody likes change. I understand that. I get it 100 percent. But without change, you can’t grow. You can’t win without taking your lumps,” Moore explained in a May Instagram video. “It ain’t easy making it in the game of Hollywood. It ain’t. TV shows don’t last eight years anymore. The game has changed. But S.W.A.T. Exiles, baby! S.W.A.T. Exiles. Bigger, bolder. S.W.A.T. on steroids.”
He continued: “I’m not saying I’m Tom Brady, but I’m the Tom Brady of S.W.A.T. That’s not arrogant. That’s not ego. It’s a fact. I’m the quarterback. I’m Shemar Moore a.k.a Hondo. But I had a squad. A strong squad. A family. A team. And I would be remiss If I didn’t say out loud to the world and to them — because I know they’re watching this — I love you. I respect you. I appreciate you.”
Lim was the first S.W.A.T alum to address the situation.
