Actress Afton Williamson is leaving police television show, “The Rookie,” after claiming she was subjected to sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault on set. The actress detailed in an Instagram post to her fans the reasons for her departure from the show. She wrote that she was the target of racial discrimination and racially charged inappropriate comments from the show’s hair department. She was also the victim of bullying from executive producers throughout filming the first season of the show.
Complaints were Ignored
Williamson stated on her Instagram that a recurrent guest star on the show sexually harassed. She continued to deal with worsening racist commentary from the hair department. After reporting the sexual harassment to the showrunner, her claims failed to be documented and were not reported to human resources, even though she was promised they would be. According to Williamson, the head of the hair department was fired only after the sexual assault and not because of the racially charged language and bullying.
In a meeting with the showrunner, two producers, Williamson’s agent, and SAG-AFTRA union members, Williamson stated that she was promised the actor who sexually assaulted her would be fired. However, the actor continued to appear on the shows call sheet. Williamson was even written into scenes with him. She stated that she was asked to return for season two of the show even though the actor accused of sexual harassment had not been fired. Williamson stated that she turned the offer down and walked away.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful sex discrimination. Examples of sexual harassment in the workplace include:
- Making sexual or sex-based jokes
- Inappropriate touching of a person’s body over or underneath clothing
- Requesting sexual favors
- Threatening a person for rejecting or refusing sexual advances
Reporting Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Before reporting sexual harassment, it is important for you to know that sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal and your employer cannot retaliate if you complain. After reporting sexual harassment to your employer, you then have the option of filing a charge with a state or federal agency. You can also choose to go to court. If you are being subjected to sexual harassment, it is important that you write down exactly what happened and when it happened. It is also advised to contact a sexual harassment lawyer to defend your rights.
Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Represent Clients Subjected to Workplace Sexual Harassment
If you are planning to file a sexual harassment claim, contact a Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyer at The Gold Law Firm P.C. today. Our lawyers will fight for your rights. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 215-569-1999. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and South Jersey.
