Showrunner of The Flash and former Green Arrow comic book writer Andrew Kreisberg has been suspended by Warner Bros. Television Group amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Kreisberg also produces other DC-based series on The CW, including Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl.
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“We have recently been made aware of allegations of misconduct against Andrew Kreisberg,” said a statement from WB TV. “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.”
The report from Variety states alleges Kreisberg has had a pattern of abusive behavior over several years, including inappropriate physical contact with and the sexual harassment of 15 women and four men.
Kreisberg denies these allegations, and the accusers, who are current or former employees of The CW’s shows, wish to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.
“We were recently made aware of some deeply troubling allegations regarding one of our showrunners,” said a statement from Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter. The two oversee Berlanti Productions, which produces The CW shows. “We have been encouraging and fully cooperating with the investigation into this by Warner Bros. There is nothing more important to us than the safety and well-being of our cast, crew, writers, producers and any staff. We do not tolerate harassment and are committed to doing everything we can to make an environment that’s safe to work in and safe to speak up about if it isn’t.”
Variety’s report alleges that Kreisberg engaged in numerous incidents including kissing, asking for massages, and commenting on women’s appearances. The accusers say Kreisberg has created a toxic work environment.
“I have made comments on women’s appearances and clothes in my capacity as an executive producer, but they were not sexualized,” Kreisberg said to Variety. “Like many people, I have given someone a non-sexual hug or kiss on the cheek…
“I have proudly mentored both male and female colleagues for many years. But never in what I believe to be an unwanted way and certainly never in a sexual way.”
The accusers have not made official complaints to human resources, reasoning “it seems like nothing’s been enforced,” according to one women. However, as word of the allegations spread, HR began investigating the matter by speaking with women on his staff.
“You would have to watch what you said, what you wore, to try to stop being subjected to sexual innuendo,” said one woman.
Another said Kreisberg’s was involved in “an environment in which women — assistants, writers, executives, directors — were all evaluated based on their bodies, not on their work.”
Staff members allege that Kreisberg asked one woman to lay on the ground in his office, while he assumed a “push-up” stance on top of her and asked her to pretend to choke him out.
“It is not uncommon in writer’s rooms that we act out what we want production to film,” Kreisberg says. “There was never any sexual intent or overtones.”
Though Kreisberg is suspended, there’s no word yet on whether the accusers will take legal action.
