Afton Williamson Quit "The Rookie" over sexual harassment and racism

[River 117,772]

Afton Williamson, co-star of the ABC crime series "The Rookie," said she's quitting the show because of sexual harassment and racial discrimination she experienced during the show's first season. In an Instagram post Sunday, Williamson said that throughout the filming of the show's pilot, "I experienced racial discrimination/racially charged inappropriate comments from the hair department."

Williamson said the treatment worsened when she was sexually harassed by a recurring guest star, bullied by executive producers and ultimately was sexually assaulted by a crew member at a wrap party. ABC Studios responded later Sunday with a statement, largely referring to its production partners, Entertainment One.

"The allegations involve a production from Entertainment One," the network said. "In late June, eOne made us aware and informed us that they launched an investigation that is ongoing. The safety of working environments is a top priority for us, and we take this matter very seriously."

Entertainment One, in a statement of its own, said it takes Williamson's claims seriously. "We have initiated an independent investigation which is ongoing and as such, it would be inappropriate to comment at this time," the production company said.

A representative for Williamson didn't respond to messages seeking further details on the actress's claims, or whether the alleged sexual assault was reported to the police.

 

It's really a shame that those kind of things still going on behind the scene..

[Didymus 34,380]

Wow, that is some exposé Brilliantly written.

Good for her I don't know her or the show but I'm proud of her. Inspiring of her to end on a positive note.

[DonatellaPop 3,482]

wow what the hell

[Miel 15,009]

Wait this is awful and horrifying. 

 

[JazzGa 14,621]

I read an interesting article that explained a bit about why racism is particularly rampant in Hollywood hairstylists. Apparently, for a TV or film set, you are legally only allowed to use hairstylists who are members of the "official" LA Hairstylists Guild Union. (I didn't get the name exactly right but close enough)

This union can be difficult and expensive to enter and it can take years to join. Also, there is systemic prejudice against stylists who have worked for musicians and magazines, as only stylists with theatrical productions or tv/film productions under their belt already are allowed to join. This makes it really hard for Black hair stylists, in particular, to join the Union. Therefore, stylists with experience with Black hair are not at all common on set. Because the union stylists have a lack of experience with Black hair, their characters are often written with a natural short crop, or a wig (because that's all they know how to style) or the actress herself must bring her own hair pieces and her own stylist. 

I wonder if that had anything to do with Sally Ciganovich getting away with being racist to the star for so long. 

[Addison Rae 16,926]

this is horrible 

[RAMROD 110,113]

I am not familiar with that show, and I don't even want to get familiar after this. Horrible. I am happy and applaud that she stand her ground.

[Sassy McSass 814]

1 hour ago, Pops Wife said:

I read an interesting article that explained a bit about why racism is particularly rampant in Hollywood hairstylists. Apparently, for a TV or film set, you are legally only allowed to use hairstylists who are members of the "official" LA Hairstylists Guild Union. (I didn't get the name exactly right but close enough)

This union can be difficult and expensive to enter and it can take years to join. Also, there is systemic prejudice against stylists who have worked for musicians and magazines, as only stylists with theatrical productions or tv/film productions under their belt already are allowed to join. This makes it really hard for Black hair stylists, in particular, to join the Union. Therefore, stylists with experience with Black hair are not at all common on set. Because the union stylists have a lack of experience with Black hair, their characters are often written with a natural short crop, or a wig (because that's all they know how to style) or the actress herself must bring her own hair pieces and her own stylist. 

I wonder if that had anything to do with Sally Ciganovich getting away with being racist to the star for so long. 

I didn’t know that. How awful.

My sister watches this show so I’ve seen a couple of episodes and her character is the best by far. So sorry that this happened to her.