Since 2003, NCIS has been delighting fans all around the world. We've come to accept that plucky, bizarre special investigative family into our homes. We know them, we love them, we trust them.

That's why the recent allegations against former NCIS star Michael Weatherly were so upsetting. He played Anthony DiNozzo, the handsome, funny, and oh so charming, agent that we let sweep us off our feet. To think that the man who portrayed him so well could be a sexual harasser was beyond upsetting.

It seems like we weren't the only ones to be upset. His co-stars took to social media to defend him.

Pauley Perrette, who was a fan favorite for years until leaving the show last year, tweeted a touching response.

Sasha Alexander, who was a part of the NCIS family for over 50 episodes, also Tweeted her support.

The reason Weatherly is under fire is because of a recent report about a secret settlement paid to his Bull co-star Eliza Dushku.

The actress received a $9.5 million payout after she accused Weatherly of sexual harrassment on set. She was scheduled for a 3-episode arc with the intention of becoming a series regular. All that changed after the allegations.

Dushku says Weatherly made inappropriate comments to her while joking around on set with castmates and crew members. A charge Weatherly does not deny.

"During the course of taping our show, I made some jokes mocking some lines in the script. When Eliza told me that she wasn't comfortable with my language and attempt at humor, I was mortified to have offended her and immediately apologized," he said in a statement. "After reflecting on this further, I better understand that what I said was both not funny and not appropriate and I am sorry and regret the pain this caused Eliza.

The payment to Dushku was roughly what she would have received for her planned appearances on the show. She's declined to comment on her experiences after news of the payment broke.

CBS, the network that airs NCIS, said: "The allegations in Ms. Dushku's claims are an example that, while we remain committed to a culture defined by a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace, our work is far from done."

The network is looking to clean up its own image after long-time president Les Moonves resigned amid numerous complaints of assault and harassment.

[H/T: Fox]

Bull is in its third season and is one of CBS's top five most watched shows.