The Producers Guild of America has broken its silence over workplace bullying claims in the wake of The Hollywood Reporter‘s April 7 cover story on allegations made against Scott Rudin.
On Thursday, the Hollywood producers organization announced it has created a new task force dedicated to rooting out workplace harassment in the aftermath of allegations made against the Hollywood mega-producer. The PGA didn’t name Rudin in its statement, but THR earlier reported that producer Gale Anne Hurd had entreated leadership to take a stand on the producer.
“We are deeply disturbed and disheartened by the continuing allegations of workplace harassment and abuse in our industry, and stand with those who speak out against such violence and intimidation in all forms,” the PGA said in a statement.
After THR published an exposé of Rudin’s alleged workplace misconduct, the PGA has now said it will expand its Independent Production Safety Initiative to include anti-bullying trainings to help end workplace violence and aggression.
The PGA is also forming a task force to examine workplace issues among its rank and file and the entertainment business at large. “We must work together to make our industry a more equitable and safe place for everyone involved, no matter what their level or role. We stand committed to working with our colleagues at other organizations to eradicate this behavior,” the organization said in its statement.
Following the PGA’s announcement, Actors’ Equity Association executive director Mary McColl stated that the labor union is calling on trade group the Broadway League to take action.
“Now that the Producers Guild of America has made a statement our members are wondering why the Broadway League has gone more than two weeks without taking action or making a statement after one of their members has been credibly accused of bullying and harassment,” McColl stated. “Unless or until Scott Rudin’s status as a Broadway League producer changes, our path is to make sure his productions follow the language in our collective bargaining agreements – which require a safe workplace and prohibit bullying and discrimination.”
On April 17, Rudin announced that he is stepping back from “active participation” in his upcoming Broadway projects, but he gave no indication of what that actually means and which plays will be affected. Three days later, he released a second statement saying he is stepping away from film and streaming projects as well.
The PGA move follows statements made by performers’ unions SAG-AFTRA, Actors Equity and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 earlier this month.
“Every worker deserves to do their job in an environment free of harassment of any kind, whether that harassment creates a toxic workplace or, certainly in the case of sexual harassment, when that behavior is also against the law,” SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris, Actors’ Equity Association president Kate Shindle and American Federation of Musicians Local 802 president and executive director Adam Krauthamer stated on April 12.
April 22, 2:40 p.m. PT Updated with a statement from the Actors’ Equity Association.
