Afton Williamson Responds After ‘The Rookie’ Finds No ‘Inappropriate’ Workplace Behavior

LOS ANGELES - FEB 5: Afton Williamson at the Disney ABC Television Winter Press Tour Photo Call at the Langham Huntington Hotel on February 5, 2019 in Pasadena, CA– Stock Editorial Photography (Credit: Deposit Photos)

Afton Williamson says “it’s heartbreaking for everyone on that set,” after an investigation concluded her harassment and discrimination claims at ABC’s The Rookie were unfounded.

Entertainment One (eOne), which produces the series, said Tuesday no “inappropriate” workplace behavior was found during a probe that included “400 hours” of interviews and evidence analysis.

“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 said in a statement.

“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,” the company added.

Related Story‘The Rookie’ Actress Afton Williamson Quits Over ‘Discrimination’

Williamson said she was saddened by the findings in a Tuesday night Instagram post.

“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,” she 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,” the actress added.

On Aug. 4, Williamson announced she was quitting the show and would not be returning for the second season after experiencing sexual harassment and racial discrimination on the job.

The actress alleged a recurring actor had sexually harassed her, and the hair department head sexually assaulted her.

“The sexual harassment though reported directly to the Showrunner/EP remained undocumented and was not reported to HR as promised,” she said. “The hair dept. head was fired only after the sexual assault and not for an entire year of outward racism/racially charged language and bullying behavior in and out of the hair and makeup trailer.”

Producer eOne launched an investigation. The company said it commissioned law firm Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP, who engaged third-party firm EXTTI, which specializes in investigating allegations of harassment, discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. The full report wasn’t released for privacy reasons.

Williamson played training officer Talia Bishop on The Rookie. Season 2 of the series premieres on ABC Sept. 29.


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About Anita Bennett

Anita Bennett is the editor and founder of Urban Hollywood 411. She can be reached on Twitter @tvanita.