Afton Williamson: The Rookie star names actor she claims sexually harassed her
The actor wrote in an emotional Instagram message, ‘Let’s be the change we want to see’
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Your support makes all the difference.Actor Afton Williamson, who announced over the weekend that she had departed the US cop drama The Rookie after alleging racism and sexual harassment on the set, has identified the two individuals she alleges were responsible.
In an Instagram post, Williamson wrote: “This season on The Rookie, I was sexually harassed by fellow actor Demetrius Grosse. I was racially bullied and discriminated against and sexually assaulted by hair department head Sally Nicole Ciganovich.”
She previously announced that she had left the series, which stars Castle actor Nathan Fillion, after experiencing “racial discrimination/racially charged inappropriate comments from the hair department and bullying from executive producers.” She added, “During the season, it continued along with sexual harassment from a recurring guest star and the racist commentary and bullying from the hair department head escalated into sexual assault at our wrap party.”
Entertainment One, which produces the series, has announced that it has “initiated an independent investigation” into Williamson’s allegations. Karey Burke, the entertainment president of The Rookie’s US broadcaster ABC, said during an appearance at the Television Critics Association yesterday that she was “frustrated” by the situation, but didn’t “have a lot of answers.”
“I heard at the end of June that there were allegations, and an investigation has been launched,” she continued. “We are waiting for answers. As soon as we learn more, we will make determination based on what’s found.”
The Independent has reached out to Ciganovich and representatives for Grosse for comment.
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