“Rookie” Actress Afton Williamson Calls Out ‘Deceit’ & ‘Lies’ After Investigation Into Her Sexual Assault Claims Finds No ‘Inappropriate’ Behavior

Afton Williamson

“Rookie” Actress Afton Williamson Calls Out ‘Deceit’ & ‘Lies’ After Investigation Into Her Sexual Assault Claims Finds No ‘Inappropriate’ Behavior

Actress Afton Williamson’s claims that she was sexually harassed on the set of ABC’s “The Rookie” have been investigated, and the studio said there was no foul play. But Williamson isn’t letting it slide that easily.

She previously revealed her allegations when she announced she was quitting the series amid its first season. She alleged that she suffered sexual harassment from recurring actor Demetrius Grosse, and sexual assault and bullying from the head of the hair department, Sally Nicole Ciganovich. They have not publicly responded to the allegations against them.

Afton Williamson, Demetrius Grosse

The studio, Entertainment One, launched an investigation into the allegations and revealed its findings Tuesday (Sept. 17), stating that there was no “inappropriate” behavior on the set.

See the full statement below:

We are today addressing the findings of the investigation initiated as a result of the claims made by actor Afton Williamson regarding our series The Rookie. The investigation was commissioned via law firm Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP who engaged third-party firm EXTTI, recognized for their extensive expertise in investigating allegations of harassment, discrimination and retaliation in the workplace.

We take all allegations of inappropriate conduct very seriously, particularly when the allegations involve discrimination or sexual harassment of any nature. We appreciate the cooperation of all those who were interviewed, including Ms. Williamson, the individuals she identified by name, and several other relevant production and staff members.

The investigation encompassed nearly 400 hours of interviews and review of evidence, involving a significant amount of material, including video, that was provided to and examined by the investigator. As a result of the independent investigation, we have concluded that those identified in Ms. Williamson’s allegations did not conduct themselves in an unlawful manner or demonstrate behavior inappropriate for the workplace. It was also concluded that the executive producers, including showrunner Alexi Hawley, addressed matters of which they were made aware promptly and in a fair and reasonable manner.

We recognize and respect that as individuals, the lens through which we view situations, interactions and comments, can differ based on our experiences and perspectives. As such, we regret that Ms. Williamson’s time on the series was not a positive one for her, and we respect her decision to move on to other projects.

We continue to focus on fostering a safe and respectful work environment for all our corporate and production employees and further reinforce our policies and procedures. To protect the privacy of all those interviewed, the investigator’s report will not be available publicly.

In expressing her disappointment, Williamson suggested that the investigation was faulty and that things in the industry need to change.

“What saddens me the most is that the lengths that were taken to Deceive, Lie, and Cover Up the Truth, were far greater than those made to Protect and Maintain a Safe Working Environment for Employees. It’s Heartbreaking for everyone on that set; Past and Present. And for every Actor out there who Stands in the Face Of Harassment and Discrimination, Assault and Injustice. As a Black Woman, an Artist, an Actor, in 2019. My Speaking the Truth, Standing up for myself, and Leaving an Unsafe Work Environment, Changed things for a lot of people: Black Women, Artists, Actors, Victims, and Survivors of Injustice and Discrimination; Gave Hope and a Promise that things Will Change; that things ARE CHANGING. And that is Not in Vain. My prayer is that we get to a point in this Industry where we don’t just Talk about it in 2 hour Mandatory Meetings. But we adhere to Keeping the Promises Made to Everyone on every set, Tirelessly Fulfilling their Dreams with Passion and Dedication. In order to Be the Change, I want to see, I will Continue to Work so that Casts & Crews alike finally See Words Align With Action. We’ve got to Do Better as an Industry. It’s just Talk until you actually Do Something.”

What do you think about the results of the investigation? Tell us in the comments.

Source: Variety