Variety is reporting that Warner Bros. TV has suspended Arrow, Supergirl, The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow executive producer Andrew Kreisberg amid sexual harassment allegations. Kreisberg would be the latest Hollywood creative executive to be accussed of sexual predatory actions following the likes of film producer Harvey Weinstein, actor Kevin Spacey, comedian Louis C.K. and director Brett Ratner. Warner Bros. TV tells Variety:
"We have recently been made aware of allegations of misconduct against Andrew Kreisberg. We have suspended Mr. Kreisberg and are conducting an internal investigation. We take all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously, and are committed to creating a safe working environment for our employees and everyone involved in our productions."
According to Variety, a group of 15 women and 4 men have come forward to make claims that Kreisberg sexually harrassed female staffer. The Hollywooed trade mentions that the individuals in this group are wishing to remain anonymous because they are actively working on the DCTV shows in a wide-range of capacities.
In a statement to Variety, Kreisberg has responded to these allegations.
"I have made comments on women’s appearances and clothes in my capacity as an executive producer, but they were not sexualized. Like many people, I have given someone a non-sexual hug or kiss on the cheek.”
However, an unnamed male writer for one of The CW superhero shows told Variety, "It was an environment in which women — assistants, writers, executives, directors — were all evaluated based on their bodies, not on their work."
The environment reportedly became increasingly toxic once Kreisberg became empowered after the success of Arrow and became a key figure in the development of the spinoff shows. "The power went to his head. It became clear to me that it would be very dangerous, career-wise, for me to confront him about his behavior," said another unnamed male writer on one of the shows.
Unnamed sources cited several more incidents and emails that likely won't make it very difficult for Warner Bros. human resources to determine the veracity of these assertions.