Actress Afton Williamson quits ‘The Rookie,’ claiming abuse, racism, bullying and sexual harassment

Afton Williamson who co-starred in ABC’s cop show “The Rookie” starring Nathan Fillion, went on social media yesterday to announce that she has quit the show.

In her Instagram post., Williamson, who played John Nolan’s (Nathan Fillion) training officer Talia Bishop on The Rookie, explained why she will not be returning for Season 2. She alleged that she quit the ABC series because of systematic racism/racially charged comments, bullying, and sexual harassment, which remained largely ignored by the producers of the show until the sexual harassment by the head of the hair department escalated to sexual assault at the wrap party and the person was fired. ~ Deadline

Williamson said she reported the harassment, “outward racism” and “bullying behavior” to the series’ showrunner, but her claims were never investigated, according to NBC News.  With production having already begun for season 2 of “The Rookie” without a formal investigation having already commenced, Williamson said it was time for her to walk away from the series.

“I turned it down and I walked,” she wrote. “Now is the best time in the world to be a woman and I have a platform so it’s time to use my Voice. Strength comes from within. It comes from Above. ‘Greater is He that is within Me than he that is in the world’ ❤️

Not long after Williamson penned her Instagram post, Entertainment One issued the following statement claiming that the production company has initiated an investigation into the actor’s claims:

“We take claims of this nature very seriously,” said a spokesperson for lead studio eOne, which handles production and any related issues. “We have initiated an independent investigation which is ongoing and as such, it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.”

You can see Williamson’s entire Instagram post, here.

~  Written by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter