During the Television Critics Association winter press tour yesterday, Supergirl star Melissa Benoist weighed in on the allegations of sexual harassment against the now fired executive producer Andrew Kreisberg. He served in the same role on Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow, and fifteen women and four men have accused him of various forms of sexual misconduct (including physical).
"That was a major disappointment, and the irony was not lost on me. I have to say that the way our show has recovered as a cast and a crew together, we have an atmosphere on set now that I’m extremely proud of and there are a lot of amazing men that work on our show, and we have a lot of amazing women that are in powerful positions on our show as well — now one of our co-showrunners is a female, [Jessica Queller], and the executive producer Sarah Schechter. We’re all in the fight for equality and for a safer atmosphere in the working space."
Asked how she now believes the business can improve following this and what sometimes feels like an endless wave of accusations against high profile actors, producers, writers, and directors, the actress chose her words carefully and delivered a response which was definitely worthy of the Girl of Steel.
"I think it’s a matter of empathy, and it’s a matter of listening to each other and maybe as standing in each other’s shoes for a day across genders, and across sexualities, across any platforms. I just think it’s a matter of listening to each other. It’s hard to talk about something when you’re still so in the thick of it, when you’re still so engulfed by sorting out the confusion, but I have a lot of hope. I think that people are better than the way things have been."
Supergirl returned to The CW yesterday but will go on hiatus in a few weeks when Legends of Tomorrow takes its place (a decision which has not sat well with fans). What do you guys think of Benoist's comments? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the usual place and stay tuned for more.