‘The Rookie’ Production Studio Found No Evidence to Support Afton Williamson’s Claims

UPDATED 9/17, 11:28 p.m. ET: Afton Williamson took to IG to respond to news that an independent investigation found no evidence of her claims of sexual harassment and racial discrimination.

“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,” Williamson wrote. “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.”

See original story below.

The production studio behind ABC’s cop drama The Rookie has dismissed the sexual harassment and discrimination claims levied by actress Afton Williamson.

According to a statement released by Entertainment One, third-party investigators found no evidence of inappropriate workplace behavior described by Williamson. The studio says the probe was “was commissioned via law firm Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP who engaged third-party firm EXTTI.” The investigation reportedly included nearly 400 hours of evidence review and interviews with those connected to the case, including Williamson.

“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,” eOne wrote in a statement published by Variety. “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.”

Williamson announced her departure from the The Rookie via Instagram last month, claiming she “experienced racial discrimination/racially charged inappropriate comments from the hair department,” as well as sexual harassment from series guest stars. The actress said she had reported the alleged misconduct to showrunner Alexi Hawley; however, her claims “remained undocumented and [were] not reported to HR as promised.”

“HR protocol was never adhered to following the above reports given by me to my Showrunner/EP and an investigation was never issued for any of my claims. The only time I was asked to participate in an investigation was after a meeting I called in June following our Season 2 announcement,” Williamson wrote on Instagram. ” … 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.”

Williamson, who portrayed Officer Talia Bishop in The Rookie‘s inaugural season, has yet to publicly respond to the investigation’s findings. The Rookie season 2 will premiere Sept. 29 on ABC.

You can read eOne’s 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.