Supergirl star Melissa Benoist is calling for Hollywood to change “the norm” after series showrunner Andrew Kreisberg was accused of sexual harassment by multiple women.
“[W]hen people commit crimes or harass others, they should always be held accountable — no matter what industry they work in or how much power they wield,” she wrote in a statement that was posted on Twitter on Sunday night.
“I’ve spoke up about it in the past — publicly and not so publicly — and I’ll continue to do so. All of us should, without fear or shame. We all need to hold ourselves to a higher standard.”Kreisberg, executive producer of The CW’s DC Comics series, which also include The Flash and Arrow, was suspended last week by producers Warner Bros. Television Group in the wake of the allegations. Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind the Greg Berlanti-produced comic book adaptations, has launched an internal investigation into the claims leveled against Kreisberg.
Benoist noted that this isn’t uncommon in the industry, which is “heartbreaking” and makes her “feel helpless.” But she’s still hopeful she can effect change.
“I know I’m not the only one who feels this way,” she wrote. “But I’m an optimist. I believe lasting change is possible, and when people are mistreated, they should have a safe forum to speak their trust and always be heard. And so this week, I’ll head back to work on Supergirl even more committed to being a part of changing the norm by listening when people speak up, and refusing to accept an environment that is anything less than a safe, respectful and collaborate space.”
Benoist’s co-star Chyler Leigh also weighed in with a post on Instagram. (Leigh plays Benoist’s sister on the CW series.)
In her post, she quoted Maya Angelou: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without know it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
She added: “Let’s stand up Ladies. Lets stand up FOR each other. Let’s stand up WITH each other. Let’s #createchange together #sheroes.”
Arrow star Emily Bett Rickards also weighed in on Twitter on Sunday night. (Kreisberg was showrunner on Arrow until…
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