Toxic Set Allegations That Sparked Investigations

Many popular TV shows, movies, and dramas have recently been accused of problems behind the scenes. These claims have led to investigations by the studios and networks themselves, outside lawyers, or even government agencies, all focused on making sure the work environment is safe and respectful. Here’s a summary of some well-known cases, what the investigations looked into, and what changes were made as a result.

‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ (2003–2022)

As a huge fan of the show, I was really concerned when I heard about the allegations of a tough work environment back in 2020. It was good to see WarnerMedia take it seriously and launch an investigation. They talked to people who worked on the show, looked at how things were run, and ultimately some of the executive producers left. They also made sure everyone got information about new policies and a better workplace culture. The host even addressed it on the air, which I appreciated, and they put new HR procedures and training in place to hopefully prevent anything like that from happening again. It’s reassuring to see them trying to make things better behind the scenes.

‘America’s Got Talent’ (2006– )

After Gabrielle Union voiced concerns in 2019 about the work environment and certain events, NBC and the show’s production company, Fremantle, hired an independent legal team to look into the issues. They interviewed people connected to the show to gather information. As a result, the network promised to improve how complaints were handled and provide more sensitivity training. This led to new procedures for reporting problems during filming.

‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)

Following accusations against Kevin Spacey in 2017, Netflix and MRC paused production on the show and began an investigation. This review examined the atmosphere on set and how any previous complaints were addressed. Spacey was removed from the series, and filming continued with revised scripts and new safety measures. The producers also announced further protections for the cast and crew in the future.

‘The Rookie’ (2018– )

In 2019, actress Afton Williamson, a main cast member, reported experiencing harassment and discrimination while filming the first season. The show’s studio, Entertainment One, hired an outside law firm to look into her claims. While the firm couldn’t confirm everything, they suggested ways to improve the production process. The studio stated they then improved training and made it clearer how to report concerns for future seasons.

‘Transparent’ (2014–2019)

After allegations of harassment against Jeffrey Tambor surfaced in 2017, Amazon Studios launched an investigation. Investigators spoke with people working on the show and examined what happened on set. Following the investigation, Tambor left the series, and production continued to finish a final musical episode. Amazon also updated its rules and training programs regarding appropriate workplace behavior.

‘Bachelor in Paradise’ (2017– )

As a big fan of the show, I was really worried when production suddenly stopped back in 2017. Apparently, someone raised concerns about what happened on set with the actors. Warner Bros. did a thorough investigation, looking at footage and how things were run. Thankfully, they didn’t find any real wrongdoing, but they did make some important changes when the show came back. They tightened up the rules about alcohol on set and put in place really clear guidelines about consent and safety for everyone involved. They also made it easier for crew members to step in if they saw something that didn’t feel right, which is a good thing.

‘Survivor’ (2000– )

During the 2019 season, a contestant reported concerning behavior from another player. CBS and the show’s producers immediately began an investigation, interviewing cast members and checking their internal guidelines while the show was still being filmed. The contestant who was reported was ultimately removed from the show due to a rule-breaking incident that happened outside of the game. As a result, CBS announced improvements for future seasons, including more thorough training, ways for contestants to report issues independently, and on-site human resources support.

‘The Goldbergs’ (2013–2023)

Following reports of inappropriate behavior by Jeff Garlin on set in 2021 and 2022, Sony Pictures Television investigated the claims. They interviewed crew members and production leaders about workplace conduct and boundaries. Garlin ultimately left the series, and his character was removed using previously filmed scenes and editing. The studio emphasized its commitment to a respectful work environment and strengthened its monitoring procedures.

‘The Talk’ (2010– )

After a disagreement on air led to staff complaints in 2021, CBS temporarily stopped production of the show and began an internal investigation. The review focused on the work environment and how issues were reported. Following the investigation, Sharon Osbourne left the series. CBS stated they then implemented extra training and improved their complaint handling procedures.

‘Today’ (1952– )

Following accusations against Matt Lauer in 2017, NBC News immediately launched an internal review of its workplace environment and procedures. The investigation involved interviewing employees and examining how past complaints had been handled. Lauer was fired as a result, and the review led to improvements like better training and more ways for employees to report concerns. NBC News shared a summary of the findings with its staff, reinforcing a strict policy against misconduct.

‘Justice League’ (2017)

In 2020, actor Ray Fisher publicly claimed there was inappropriate behavior on the set of a film during additional shooting. This led WarnerMedia to hire an independent group to investigate. The investigation involved speaking with people involved in the production – actors, crew members, and leaders – and examining relevant documents. WarnerMedia stated that they took steps to address the issues identified and also planned to improve how problems are reported on future projects.

‘Rust’ (2024)

As a film buff, I was absolutely devastated to hear about the tragic shooting on the set of ‘Rust’ in 2021, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life and the director was injured. Immediately, the authorities got involved – the local sheriff’s office started looking at whether any crimes were committed, and New Mexico’s workplace safety folks began a thorough review of how things were run on set. They ended up fining the production and demanding changes to their safety protocols. Plus, there were separate court cases trying to figure out exactly what happened with the guns and ammunition – specifically, how live rounds ended up on set when they shouldn’t have been.

‘The Royals’ (2015–2018)

Following accusations of inappropriate behavior against showrunner Mark Schwahn in 2017 and 2018, E! and Universal Cable Productions launched an investigation. They interviewed people who worked on the show over several seasons. Schwahn was fired after the investigation, and new leaders took over the production. The studio also made it clear how to report any future concerns and provided more support for doing so.

‘NCIS’ (2003– )

Following reports of tension and safety issues involving a dog on set in 2018, CBS investigated the work environment. Human Resources spoke with the cast and crew and examined the process for reporting complaints. They then updated on-set procedures and interactions to minimize potential safety risks, and emphasized the importance of reporting and resolving concerns during filming.

‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ (2019– )

After hearing concerns from employees in 2023 and 2024, NBCUniversal reviewed its workplace environment. They spoke with staff and examined daily operations with help from their HR and compliance departments. As a result, the studio created new leadership positions, increased HR support on set, and implemented better pay and training programs. Producers have pledged to keep a close watch on things and improve communication with the crew.

‘The X Factor’ (2004–2016)

As a big fan of these shows, I was really glad to hear that ITV and the production companies took some serious feedback from former contestants to heart. They actually went back and looked at how they support people both during and after filming – things like mental health services and how complaints were handled. It led to some positive changes, like better aftercare and bringing in independent advisors to keep an eye on things. Honestly, it’s reassuring to know they’re using what they learned to improve things across all their entertainment shows going forward.

‘The Chi’ (2018– )

Following concerns about Jason Mitchell’s behavior in 2019, Showtime and the production studio launched an investigation. This included speaking with people who worked with him and looking into previous complaints. Mitchell left the show, and his character was removed from the storyline before the next season. As a result, the production team updated its on-set guidelines and offered more training to staff.

‘The Bachelor’ Franchise Aftercare Specials (2002– )

In addition to the regular show, there have been several reviews of how producers care for the mental health and well-being of contestants. These reviews, including internal investigations, focused on the support offered both during and after filming, and whether contestants fully understood and agreed to the conditions of participating. As a result, more counseling services are now available, and rules around alcohol and free time have been tightened. Producers have also made it clearer how contestants can confidentially share concerns while the show is being filmed.

‘Below Deck’ (2013– )

Over several seasons, there have been on-camera issues with cast members’ behavior, leading to investigations by both the show’s producers and the Bravo network. These investigations have included interviews with those involved and changes to how filming is done. We’ve seen cast members removed from episodes due to breaking the rules. Bravo has also emphasized new ways to report problems and improved guidelines for acceptable behavior.

‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ Live Taping Practices (2019– )

Following feedback from staff, show producers looked at how tapings were scheduled and how quickly things were being turned around. HR and production leaders then evaluated how much work everyone had, whether breaks were sufficient, and how complaints were handled. As a result, the show improved shift scheduling, increased the availability of HR staff on set, and made regular check-ins with managers a standard practice. They’re continuing to monitor these changes to make sure they’re benefiting the crew and support teams.

2025-11-14 06:16