“The Rookie” star Afton Williamson said Sunday that she quit the ABC police drama after experiencing racial discrimination, sexual harassment and assault.
In an Instagram post, Williamson accused executive producers and the show’s hair department of discrimination and making “racially charged inappropriate comments” while filming the pilot.
“During the season, it continued along with sexual harassment from a recurring guest star and the racist commentary & bullying from the hair dept.,” she said.
The harassment later escalated to sexual assault during the show’s wrap party, she said.
Williamson said she reported the harassment, “outward racism” and “bullying behavior” to the series’ showrunner, but her claims were never investigated.
Williamson said the hair department worker was fired after the alleged assault.
An ABC spokeswoman said in a statement that Williamson's allegations involved a production from the company EntertainmentOne.
"In late June, eOne made us aware and informed us that they launched an investigation that is ongoing," the spokeswoman said. "The safety of working environments is a top priority for us, and we take this matter very seriously."
EntertainmentOne did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the company said it had launched an independent investigation that is ongoing.
"As such, it would not be appropriate to comment at this time," the statement said.