Salim Akil – CW President Says Allegations Have Nothing To Do W/ “Black Lightning”

Salim Akil – CW President Says Allegations Have Nothing To Do W/ “Black Lightning”

Late last year when allegations of sexual abuse and assault were aimed at TV producer/creator Salim Akil, not only were fans shocked, but they were immediately worried about the fate of all the shows that Akil is apart of. Well, while OWN network didn’t waste any time canceling the Akil-penned Love Is, the CW network and Warner Bros. TV took the time for a thorough investigation. Now, the president of the network is finally addressing the allegations against Akil.

Fans of the popular CW series Black Lightning breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced the series had been renewed for a third season despite the allegations against showrunner Salim Akil. In a recent panel addressing the streaming of CW shows on other platforms, CW president Mark Pedowitz was asked about Akil’s allegations and he offered a brief response.

Salim and Marka Akil with Oprah at the premiere of “Love Is__”

After discussing the performance and fate of CW shows such as Jane the Virgin and All American, Pedowitz was asked about Akil, to which he replied, that Akil is dealing with a “personal issue” and legal problem that

“has nothing to do with the show.”

Pedowitz expanded on his comments, adding that the Akil, other show producers, cast and crew, all “deserve to work.” He also noted that there have been no complaints of misconduct against Akil on the set of Black Lightning.

Mara Brock Akil, Salim Akil

Since the cancellation of Love Is, Akil and wife Mara Brock Akil have kept a low-profile, with the exception of continuing to work on their current projects.

Are you happy that Black Lightning got renewed? Do you think OWN network canceled Love Is too soon? Let us know in the comments.

Authored by: Danielle Jennings