The Rookie: Afton Williamson Responds After Investigation Finds 'No Inappropriate Behavior'

The investigation into allegations made by The Rookie actress Afton Williamson has ended, and it has found no unlawful or inappropriate behavior.

EXTTI, a third-party firm “recognized for their extensive expertise in investigating allegations of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in the workplace.”

“[W]e 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,” reads the statement from eOne.

“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 full statement from eOne is below.

An ABC spokesperson responded to eOne’s full statement saying, “We are glad that eOne has completed an investigation into allegations on the set of The Rookie."

"We are confident that eOne takes these matters seriously and that they will continue to look for the best ways to surface concerns and address complaints.”

Williamson played Talia Bishop on The Rookie Season 1. She revealed in August that she had issues both on and off the set from the show's pilot shoot throughout the entirety of the season.

She “experienced racial discrimination/racially charged inappropriate comments from the hair department,” as well as harassment from a guest star.

Williamson reacted to the outcome of the investigation on Tuesday. She said that the findings were “heartbreaking for everyone on that set, past and present.”

“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 said she would “continue to work so that casts and crews alike finally see words align with action.”

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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. 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. As a Black Woman, an Artist, an Actor, in 2019. My Speaking the Truth, Standing up for myself, and Leaving an Unsafe Work Environment, Changed things for a lot of people: Black Women, Artists, Actors, Victims, and Survivors of Injustice and Discrimination; Gave Hope and a Promise that things Will Change; that things ARE CHANGING. And that is Not in Vain. My prayer is that we get to a point in this Industry where we don’t just Talk about it in 2 hour Mandatory Meetings. But we adhere to Keeping the Promises Made to Everyone on every set, Tirelessly Fulfilling their Dreams with Passion and Dedication. In order to Be the Change, I want to see, I will Continue to Work so that Casts & Crews alike finally See Words Align With Action. We’ve got to Do Better as an Industry. It’s just Talk until you actually Do Something. ❤️

A post shared by Afton Williamson (@therealaftonw) on Sep 17, 2019 at 7:19pm PDT

Here is the full statement from eOne:

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.

We recognize and respect that as individuals, the lens through which we view situations, interactions and comments, can differ based on our experiences and perspectives.

As such, we regret that Ms. Williamson’s time on the series was not a positive one for her, and we respect her decision to move on to other projects.

We continue to focus on fostering a safe and respectful work environment for all our corporate and production employees and further reinforce our policies and procedures.

To protect the privacy of all those interviewed, the investigator’s report will not be available publicly.