Following extensive public criticism about a scandal over alleged sexual misconduct, CEO of Warner Bros Kevin Tsujihara has announced his official resignation.
The head of the company received a lot of backlash over his so-called “casting couch” scandal, despite both him and actress Charlotte Kirk insisting that their relationship was entirely consensual, and did not lead to any career perks for the actress.
Miss Kirk claims that she took a fancy to Tsujihara after being introduced to him, and decided to act on her desires, pursuing a sexual relationship with the head of the studio.
Here is how the young woman described the relationship: “It was not casting-couch sex. Kevin might have thought I was on his casting couch, but my sense of self-worth is such that I thought I was just having sex with a man I fancied. Like any normal women, I kept on good terms and in touch afterward.”
She added this piece of information that confirms the complicated of these types of relationships, especially in the MeToo era: “Hollywood pivots on helpful friends. You can talk to someone differently after you have been intimate with them. There is a connection. You don’t say, “Get me a role,” but you expect openness and honesty when you have been lovers, and you expect them to be there for you as a friend. In my case, that meant him potentially directing me towards auditions, helping me get into the room.”
However, the subsequent advances she made in her career drew much attention to her involvement with Tsujihara.
Many dubbed the situation as a “casting couch” scandal, referencing the popular pornographic website. Tsujihara has issued apologies to many people after the scandal came to light.
He had to write a letter of apology to all of his employees and reportedly sent one to his wife as well. And now, the former CEO of Warner Bros has decided to fully step out of the public spotlight for the time being.
Aside from comments regarding the sexual scandal, some have also commented on Tsujihara’s decision to leave in a professional capacity.
Many have defended the former boss of the company in this regard, claiming that he had done a lot for the studio and that his leadership will be missed in the coming years.
WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey reacted to the quiet resignation by stating: “It is in the best interest of WarnerMedia, Warner Bros., our employees and our partners for Kevin to step down as Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Kevin has contributed greatly to the studio’s success over the past 25 years, and for that we thank him. Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the company’s leadership expectations and could impact the company’s ability to execute going forward.”
A few critics have expressed interest in finding out more about his severance package.
It is not clear if Warner Bros currently has any plans for major restructuring in the wake of Tsujihara’s resignation.
