Many Arrowverse stars are speaking out against sexual harassment after Warner Bros. suspended Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow producer Andrew Kreisberg amid sexual assault allegations. Each day more accounts of sexual harassment are surfacing since The New York Times and the #MeToo social media campaign exposed shocking stories of abusive and predatory behavior made against Harvey Weinstein and other members of the entertainment industry. Eddie Berganza and Louis C.K. are among the most recently accused as no area of the industry is left unaffected. As the accusations against Kreisberg have increased, so has the outcry from fans, and now Arrowverse stars themselves are weighing in on accountability and sexual harassment.
Supergirl star Melissa Benoist lead the stand by releasing a tweet on November 12 reacting to a “heartbreaking” incident likely involving Kreisberg, while not directly mentioning the producer himself. The tweet expresses her values of empowerment and feminism existing in a career and field where those qualities do not always shine through. Benoist promised to return to Supergirl with the goal of making it a safer environment.
Each of these scandals has had different consequences, and it is unclear what the final outcome of Kreisberg’s accusations will be. He has currently been suspended by Warner Bros. after 19 individuals, 14 women and 5 men, have spoken out against the producer. Warner Bros. TV group issued the statement below:
We have recently been made aware of allegations of misconduct against Andrew Kreisberg. 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.
Variety’s sources say that Kreisberg is said to have promoted an unsafe and uncomfortable environment by making inappropriate comments towards women’s appearances, asking for massages from uncomfortable female staff members, and kissing and touching women without their consent. Many felt their job security would be at risk if they reported a producer of multiple shows like Kreisberg to Warner Bros. human resources. Accounts also say that his harassment worsened as he gained more responsibility within the company.
Other stars have also come forward speaking out against Kreisberg’s alleged actions. Emily Bett Rickards, who plays Felicity Smoak on Arrow, also tweeted in support of the accusers, calling those who speak out “heroines” and those who perpetuate rape culture or turn a blind eye “weak.” DC’s Legends of Tomorrow star Caity Lotz also spoke out against sexual harassment on twitter.
It has become clear that stars will no longer allow such an environment to exist in their place of work, especially since Gal Gadot reportedly announced she will not return for Wonder Woman 2 unless Warner Bros. cuts ties with Brett Ratner, a filmmaker who has also been accused of sexual harassment.
Kreisberg’s fate is still undetermined as he claims that his comments and accusations of touching were not meant to be sexual, but it is clear that the very stars of the shows he produces will make sure the truth comes out.
