Mark Schwahn Officially Fired From 'The Royals' Due To Sexual Harassment Claims
It's official. Mark Schwahn has been fired from The Royals. After an in-depth investigation, Lionsgate and E! network have confirmed that the director will not be returning to the hit show.
Royal Pain
Schwahn was accused by over 40 women of sexual harassment and misconduct. The director was first accused by members of Schwahn's earlier project, One Tree Hill. Actresses Hilarie Burton, Sophia Bush, and Bethany Joy Lenz came together in a letter where they recounted the harassment they endured from the director during their time in OTH.
Following this revelation, 25 more women from the cast and crew of The Royals publicly accused the director of the same treatment. The announcement was made on Thursday, Dec. 21 from both companies who produce the television show.
"We have concluded our investigation and Mark will not be returning to The Royals. The fourth season of the show has already completed production and will air as scheduled on E! in the spring," the statement read.
One Tree Hill Stars React
Burton took to Twitter to respond to the news of Schwahn's firing.
4. You women are amazing. When I left all those years ago, I could have never anticipated how strong this bond would remain.
It's a good day, gals. Your art matters. It's what got me here. Xoxoxo— Hilarie Burton (@HilarieBurton) December 22, 2017
Bush also commented on Schwahn's termination.
43 women came forward. To the ones who did and to the ones who didn't or couldn't, I hope this news is a salve to your souls.
To the other predators out there? I hope this is a lesson that sometimes, even if it takes time, justice is served. You're next. https://t.co/Vq5R0obvjK
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) December 21, 2017
Since the news of the accusations first came to light, Schwahn has not publicly admitted nor denied the allegations. Schwahn was also the writer for the films, Coach Carter and The Perfect Sore.
Other members of the CW network who have been accused of sexual assault or misconduct include Gossip Girl star, Ed Westwick as well as Supergirl and Arrow producer, Andrew Kreisberg. Schwahn is the latest director to be let go from a show or movie due to allegations against them.
The epidemic aptly named the 'Weinstein effect' began after Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein, was accused of raping and assaulting more than 80 women.
