What a messy situation.
Despite being one of the most feminist shows on TV, The CW‘s Supergirl has been hit with a sexual misconduct scandal. As you surely saw, on Friday, Warner Bros. Television announced the suspension of executive producer Andrew Kreisberg following sexual harassment complaints.
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As the scandal has made headlines nationwide, stars from the celebrated show have since spoken out to give their thoughts on the matter. Melissa Benoist, who plays the show’s title character, took to Twitter to share a lengthy note assuring fans that she is dedicated to women’s rights.
The Glee alum penned:
“I am a woman who leads a show that supports equality and feminism, empowerment, and fighting for what is right. I have always tried to conduct myself this way personally, as well. Sadly, the show and my career are a part of an industry that doesn’t always mirror these sentiments. This is heartbreaking, and at times makes me feel helpless. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. But I’m an optimist. I believe lasting change is possible, and when people are mistreated, they should have a safe forum to speak their truth and always be heard. And when people commit crimes or harass others, they should always be held accountable ├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥ no matter what industry they work in or how much power they wield. I’ve spoken up about it in the past ├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥ publicly and not so publicly ├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥ and I’ll continue to do so. All of us should, without fear or shame.”
Hear! Hear! She continued:
“We all need to hold ourselves to a higher standard. So this week, I’ll head back to work on Supergirl even more committed to being a part of changing the norm by listening when people speak up, and refusing to accept an environment that is anything less than a safe, respectful and collaborative space.”
❤️ pic.twitter.com/bIAcZWrYOT
— Melissa Benoist (@MelissaBenoist) November 13, 2017
Although Benoist didn’t name Kreisberg, it’s clear that she has distanced herself from him amid this scandal. Melissa’s on-screen sister, Chyler Leigh, uttered a similar sentiment as she took to Instagram and posted:
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women” – Maya Angelou ├ó┬¥┬ñ├»┬╕┬Å @shethority Let├óΓé¼Γäós stand up Ladies. Lets stand up FOR each other. Let├óΓé¼Γäós stand up WITH each other. Let├óΓé¼Γäós #createchange together #sheroesA post shared by Chyler Leigh (@chy_leigh) on Nov 12, 2017 at 6:42pm PST
*Snaps*
This drama has obviously weighed heavily on the Grey’s Anatomy alum as she also added online:
In the wake of a turbulent week… Love is always the best medicine. This is Drift. Drift is my friend. He came up to me the other night and insisted on this hug. He knew I needed one. And I accepted. Accept love when you need it, Friends. You deserve to be valued and treated with respect and we all need a shoulder to lean on sometimes. Thank you @christophrwood for introducing me to this (not so) little gentleman and bringing him to our home on set. I do love him so. (Don├óΓé¼Γäót know if me or #AlexDanvers needed this more) #puppylove #evenabadassneedsahugA post shared by Chyler Leigh (@chy_leigh) on Nov 11, 2017 at 1:34pm PST
Kreisberg also served as the executive producer on The Flash, Arrow, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. This would explain why Arrow‘s Emily Bett Rickards gave her two cents on the controversy via a Twitter post (below).
pic.twitter.com/AhSoTHZO2M
— Emily Bett Rickards (@EmilyBett) November 13, 2017
Well said. As for Berlanti Productions, the team behind The CW’s superhero shows, they noted in a statement:
“We were recently made aware of some deeply troubling allegations regarding one of our showrunners. We have been encouraging and fully cooperating with the investigation into this by Warner Bros. There is nothing more important to us than the safety and well-being of our cast, crew, writers, producers and any staff. We do not tolerate harassment and are committed to doing everything we can to make an environment that’s safe to work in and safe to speak up about if it isn’t.”
Kreisberg has since strongly denied the allegations. Looks like we’ll have to stay tuned to see how this whole thing plays out.
[Image via Nicky Nelson/WENN.]
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