‘The Rookie’ Production Studio Responds to Star’s Sexual Harassment and Racial Bullying Claims
On Sunday evening, The Rookie production studio eOne has stated that they are investigating the claims made by former star Afton Williamson. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Williamson, who played Officer Talia Bishop opposite Nathan Fillion on the ABC procedural, left the show when she sensed that her reports of sexual harassment and bullying were being ignored.
NATHAN FILLION, AFTON WILLIAMSON
In an Instagram post earlier this morning, Williamson detailed the harassment and bullying that she experienced at the hands of both the hair department and a recurring guest star. The incidents date back to when she started filming the pilot in Spring 2018 and progressed through The Rookie Season 1 wrap-party where it escalated to sexual assault.
In her post, Williamson explained her decision to leave.
“I was asked to return this season, and promised that “everything was handled.” The investigation hadn’t even begun and Season 2 had already started filming. I turned it down and I walked,” explained Williamson.
AFTON WILLIAMSON
Now, according to TV Line, both eOne, the production company behind The Rookie, and ABC have responded to her claims.
“We take claims of this nature very seriously. We have initiated an independent investigation which is ongoing and as such, it would not be appropriate to comment at this time,” eOne said in a statement.
ABC also released a statement saying, “In late June, eOne made us aware and informed us that they launched an investigation that is ongoing. The safety of working environments is a top priority for us, and we take this matter very seriously.”
NATHAN FILLION, AFTON WILLIAMSON
Williamson will decidedly not be returning to The Rookie Season 2 when it premieres this fall and the show has cast a male detective to take the place of Officer Bishop.
The Rookie will return Sunday, September 29th on ABC.
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Lauren Busser
Lauren Busser is an Associate Editor at Tell-Tale TV. She is a writer of fiction and nonfiction whose work has appeared in Bitch Media, Popshot Quarterly, Brain Mill Press Voices, and The Hartford Courant.