It was announced on August 18 that James Barbour had left the production. The official statement was given that Barbour had stepped down because his wife was due with their second child in October but had begun experiencing difficulties, and he felt that family time was important.
Coincidentally, three days prior to Barbour's departure, a local conservative radio host began raising talking on-air about Barbour's past. In 2006, Barbour had been arrested and charged with having inappropriate relations with a minor. According to the host, Barbour's past was violating the Old Globe's family-friendly status.
