Allegations lead to firing of The Flash producer
The Flash staffers lodged complaints about ‘inappropriate’ conduct: report
Andrew Kreisberg, executive producer of several Vancouver filmed CW superhero shows, has been fired following allegations of sexual harassment.
Kreisberg was previously the executive producer for locally produced CW shows such as Arrow, Supergirl, The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow.
Earlier this month, Deadline reported that “several staffers” on the team behind The Flash had come forward with complaints about Kreisberg’s conduct, with at least one source calling Kreisberg ’s behaviour “inappropriate.”
After the allegations surfaced, Kreisberg was suspended while Warner Bros. TV Group conducted its own investigation.
“After a thorough investigation, Warner Bros. Television Group has terminated Andrew Kreisberg’s employment, effective immediately,” according to a statement shared with Postmedia by Warner Bros.
“We remain committed to providing a safe working environment for our employees and everyone involved in our productions.”
The British Columbia chapter of Canada’s performers’ union, UBCP/ACTRA, said Wednesday in a statement that it supports “the actions being taken by employers when investigations uncover inappropriate conduct.”
“We can’t predict the impact these sorts of firings will have on the film industry as a whole, but it is not specific to B.C. or even Canada,” the statement reads.
“It is a North American and possibly global phenomenon that will change the landscape of not just film and TV but government and private industry.”
UBCP represents entertainment workers such as actors, dancers and puppeteers in recorded media. It has about 6,000 members in B.C.
Last week, the performers’ union national officer, ACTRA, issued a news release saying that it was one of 16 organizations and groups developing an industry-wide response to sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and violence.
Greg Berlanti of Berlanti Productions, which oversees the CW and DC universe shows, will take on some of Kreisberg’s duties on The Flash and Supergirl, working with show runners and producers.
In a joint statement, Berlanti and Sarah Schechter said they had “encouraged and supported” the investigation into the claims against Kreisberg. “We believe and support the individuals who came forward, and we agree with the studio’s decision. Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of all our colleagues — coworkers, crew and staff alike.”
We believe and support the individuals who came forward, and we agree with the studio’s decision.