Actors’ Equity called on producer Scott Rudin to release his employees from any nondisclosure agreements they may have signed.
Equity made the statement Saturday, in light of the news that Rudin will step back from active producing on Broadway due to allegations of workplace harassment that former assistants have made against him.
In the days since the publication of the Hollywood Reporter article, in which the allegations were detailed, Equity said it had been having “private conversations” with “sister unions and the Broadway League.”
Members of Equity have mounted their own responses to the allegations. Karen Olivo, who was the lead in “Moulin Rouge!” announced last week that she would not return to the role in protest of industry silence around the allegations.
A “March on Broadway,” with a stop outside Rudin’s office, is planned for Wednesday. Other members have been posted on social media, saying they would not pay dues until the union provides greater transparency on how it is supporting members, alluding to the Rudin allegations, as well as calling for greater protection of BIPOC members in the workplace and clarity on the union’s actions during the pandemic.
Equity had previously released a statement condemning workplace harassment, but had not named Rudin directly.
Full statement:
“Since news reports emerged about Scott Rudin, we have had many private conversations with our sibling unions and the Broadway League. We have heard from hundreds of members that these allegations are inexcusable, and everyone deserves a safe workplace whether they are a union member or not.
“We salute the courage of those who came forward. We hope that Scott Rudin will also release his staff from any nondisclosure agreements they may have signed as a condition of employment.
“This is an important step in creating truly safe and harassment-free theatrical workplaces on Broadway and beyond. It is not the end of our work to ensure a workplace safe for everyone in the industry as we work toward reopening.”
