Melissa Benoist of Supergirl makes powerful statement after Andrew Kreisberg suspension

Following Andrew Kreisberg’s announced suspension earlier this week from Warner Bros. TV, Melissa Benoist of Supergirl has spoken up for the first time about equality in the work place. It’s a powerful statement for her to make, and certainly not one that she had to. She finds herself without a doubt in a tough spot — working hard on a show all about empowerment in strength, even though it is run in part by a man with such horrible accusations of sexual misconduct against him.

The thing to remember here is that Kreisberg is just one person who works amidst a cast and crew of hundreds. One of the things that is seemingly lost in the internet reaction is how vast the Supergirl family truly is. The actions of one man should not cast a net over everyone. Many of these people are just out to deliver a great show and treat everyone they work alongside with love and respect.

We applaud Benoist for speaking out, just as we applaud her for making it clear that she has done so both in public and private. Take a look, per Twitter, at her full message below:

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 trust and always be heard. And when people commit crimes or harass others, they should always be held accountable — no matter what industry they work in or how much power they wield. I’ve spoke up about it in the past — publicly and not so publicly — and I’ll continue to do so. All of us should, without fear or shame. 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 collaborate space.

This has been a tough few days for Supergirl, but as we reported earlier, there is a great episode coming tomorrow and we hope that this serves as an opportunity to celebrate the show itself and everyone who works on it. Yet, it’s also important at the same time to recognize Benoist’s statement and not just sweeping Kreisberg’s actions under the rug or forgetting about him. These situations need to be brought to light and publicly decried; this way, you help to ensure that these incidents do not happen in the future. (Even though Benoist did not mention Kreisberg by name, this statement was clearly prompted by the reports.)

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