Former ABC Star Names Her Alleged Sexual Harasser & Assaulter In New Post

The former star of The Rookie is opening up about her decision to quit the dramedy after allegedly experiencing sexual misconduct from her coworkers — and this time, she’s naming names.

As we reported, Afton Williamson revealed this week she decided to leave the ABC show ahead of its second season because of the problematic environment on set.

In an Instagram post, Williamson claimed she was the victim of racial discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual assault over the course of filming the first season. She said she reported the alleged incidents to her show-runner, but claims it “remained undocumented and was not reported to HR as promised.”

On Monday, the actress returned to the social platform to shed more light on her claims and accuse her alleged tormentors by name; one of her fellow The Rookie actors, Demetrius Grosse (above, insert), and the production’s hair department head, Sally Nicole Ciganovich.

She claimed:

“This season on The Rookie, I was sexually harassed by fellow actor Demetrius Grosse. I was Racially Bullied and Discriminated against and Sexually Assaulted by Hair Department Head Sally Nicole Ciganovich.”

Neither Grosse, who guest starred as Detective Kevin Wolfe in five episodes of the series, nor Ciganovich have publicly responded to Williamson’s accusations.

Williamson, who played Nathan Fillion’s field training officer on the cop show, went on to explain she was “no stranger” to racism, discrimination, and sexual abuse”“even before this experience,” noting how she felt it was her “duty” to use her platform to stand up against injustices and in support of other victims.

She added:

“I am no stranger to all of the above even before this experience. But it is through this experience and my platform that God pushed me to use the power within me. It just takes a VOICE.”

The 34-year-old also thanked her followers for the overwhelming support she’s received since announcing her exit from the series, writing:

“To my Fans, my Friends, my Supporters: I want to Thank EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU. I am so beyond overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, kind words, scriptures, strength filled quotes and devout support that has come my way… One Instagram post is just like those 2 fish and 5 loaves of Bread. The rippling effect it has had in just a few hours shows how much this world is aching with victims of racism, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse all of it.”

In a statement following Williamson’s initial post, ABC revealed The Rookie’s production company eOne had launched an independent investigation that is ongoing. Network execs say they’re waiting for the investigation to be completed before making any decisions regarding the accused employees.

It’s unclear how Williamson’s exit will be addressed on the upcoming second season of The Rookie. Read her post in full (below).

View this post on Instagram

To my Fans, my Friends, my Supporters: I want to Thank EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU. I am so beyond overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, kind words, scriptures, strength filled quotes and devout support that has come my way. One Instagram post is just like those 2 fish and 5 loaves of Bread. The rippling effect it has had in just a few hours shows how much this world is aching with victims of racism, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse all of it. I am no stranger to all of the above even before this experience. But it is through this experience and my platform that God pushed me to use the power within me. It just takes a VOICE. I never imagined so many of us have experienced these horrible circumstances and that can NO LONGER GO UNHEARD. We have a voice. ALL OF US. It is our DUTY to use it. I used to fear the word Victim. I scoffed at it because all I was told when these injustices happened to me, was to Survive. Survivor I am. Victim I am also. A victim of injustice. A victim of assault. A victim of abuse and harassment. If you have experienced any of the above, you are too and I for one stand with you and I’m no longer afraid to be vocal about it. We Can Stand Together. Let’s Change This Sickness. That Change starts with US. This season on The Rookie, I was sexually harassed by fellow actor Demetrius Grosse. I was Racially Bullied and Discriminated against and Sexually Assaulted by Hair Department Head Sally Nicole Ciganovich. Let’s BE the CHANGE we WANT to SEE❤️????????????????

A post shared by Afton Williamson (@therealaftonw) on Aug 5, 2019 at 5:06pm PDT