The Rookie season 2: Investigation following Afton Williamson allegations ends
Following the departure of Afton Williamson from The Rookie season 2 after claims of on-set harassment and assault, the production company behind the show is speaking out
In a new statement, production company eOne has stated that they did not find any evidence of wrongdoing on the part of either the crew or the cast. (Williamson had claimed that both a hair stylist on the show and also a recurring guest star has harassed and mistreated her.) Meanwhile, they also claimed that executive producer Alexi Hawley acted in the right following being informed of the matters:
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.
Is this statement going to change anyone’s mind following the initial allegations? That’s going to be up to the individual, and this certainly goes in contrast to much of what Williamson said. For The Rookie itself, we’re sure that this gives them license to move forward and think that everything is now behind them. Yet, there are questions that do still remain about the discrepancy between accounts.
The Rookie season 2 is going to premiere on ABC come later this month, in a new timeslot Sunday night at 10:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Related News – Be sure to get some more news when it comes to The Rookie, including other updates on what lies ahead