The head of one of Netflix’s biggest TV shows has denied allegations of “harmful conduct”.
The Umbrella Academy showrunner Steve Blackman is facing allegations that he created a “toxic work environment” on the set of the superhero series starring Elliot Page.
Twelve people who worked on the series, which is due to air its fourth and final season next month, have accused Blackman of bullying and creating a misogynistic environment, Rolling Stone reports.
The magazine also cited a human resources complaint filed in 2023 that led to an investigation that exonerated Blackman, but sources say the complaint was not completely comprehensive.
Blackman reportedly told reporters that he fired female staff members who were pregnant when they were hired because they “failed to tell” her.
He allegedly felt “tricked” by hiring her, but his spokesperson insists that his termination was handled “fully in accordance with all policies and regulations” through HR and that the decision was made “based solely on performance and budget.”
Another writer claims that someone told him not to accept a job from someone who was “panicky,” but that he decided to take it anyway, “against his own good sense.”
The HR complaint also accuses Blackman of having a “long history of toxic, abusive, manipulative and retaliatory behavior” and portrays her as a “manipulative and chaotic showrunner” who pitted staff against each other and created an environment of fear and distrust.
Blackman is accused of taking credit for other people’s work and of making vulgar comments that sources say were sexist, homophobic and transphobic.
“She’s relentless,” one of the alleged comments Blackman allegedly texted one staff member about another, according to messages provided to human resources in the complaint. […] Sure, it’s good for certain uses, but… it’s tiring in a room. But… it’s a rack.
“It felt like an incredibly sexist environment, where being a woman you were treated with hostility and like you were stupid,” one female writer told the magazine.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, a spokesperson for Blackman denied the accusations, calling them “completely false” and “completely absurd.”
A rep said: “Over six years and four seasons, Steve Blackman oversaw thousands of crew members, actors and writers, building The Umbrella Academy into a beloved series with a passionate fan base, compelling storylines and the dedicated team that brought it to life.”
“These allegations made by a small number of disgruntled employees are completely false, outrageous and in no way reflective of the collaborative, respectful and successful work environment that Mr. Blackmun has cultivated.”
The Umbrella Academy star Elliot Page came out as transgender in 2020 and previously played Vanya, but was later introduced as Viktor on the show.
“Juno” actor Page previously spoke highly of Blackman, saying, “He insisted on being a part of the show right away and helped me get the treatment I wanted at the time.”
However, one comment made by Blackman in his messages is alleged to show he was not initially supportive, with one text message to HR saying: “Elliot wants to come out as trans on the show. As Ivan. Oh my god. Kill me now.”
In a statement sent to Rolling Stone, Blackman claims he was referring to Page’s increased workload, not a change in her character.
“Faced with the extraordinary task of completing a complete rewrite in a very short timeframe and the responsibility of doing so sensitively and delicately, Ms Blackman commented on the stress levels associated with the responsibilities of managing a show and a large team,” the spokesperson said.
However, other staff have condemned Blackman’s transphobic comments, with one staffer arguing: “He can be very good at making comments that could be transphobic or homophobic.” […] He gauges who will laugh with him, and then, when no one does, he very cleverly backs away.”
In addition to The Umbrella Academy, Blackman has also served as a producer on Fargo, Altered Carbon, and The Outsiders.
Metro.co.uk has contacted Blackman’s representatives for comment.
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