Warner Bros. exec in hot water in alleged casting couch mess

Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara

One of the highest ranked Asian American movie executives in Hollywood is in hot water because of allegations of a inappropriate casting couch relationship.

WarnerMedia is investigating allegations that its CEO Kevin Tsujihara offered to promote the career of actress Charlotte Kirk with whom he was having a sexual relationship, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

THR's story about the Tsujihara-Kirk relationship that began in 2013, was published Wednesday (March 6) and has rocked the studio responsible for Crazy Rich Asians.

Tsujihara, 54, is the first Asian American to head a major Hollywood studio and has been a leader in the inclusion of minorities in the motion picture industry.

Kirk, who was 21 at the time, was introduced to Tsujihara, who is married, by James Packer, the Australian billionaire and a partner with producer Brett Ratner’s RatPac Entertainment. At the time Packer and Ratner—who was accused by several women of sexual assault in 2017 and has not been active in Hollywood since—were working to close a $450 million financing deal with Warner Bros., reports CNN.

THR published a series of texts that seem to indicate that Tsujihara used his role to introduce the British actress to other Hollywood directors and producers for auditions for various roles for television shows and motion pictures.

Through those connections, Kirk was able to secure roles in 2016's How to Be Single and 2018's Ocean's 8, both of which are Warner Bros. movies but, based on the texts, Tsujihara did not exert pressure or his influence to secure the roles for Kirk.

THR printed a statement from Kirk: "I emphatically deny any inappropriate behaviour on the part of Brett Ratner, James Packer, and Kevin Tsujihara, and I have no claims against any of them. I confirm that I was in a romantic relationship with James Packer in the summer of 2013 and that I was treated with respect by Mr. Packer, and I have no issues with him or claims against him. I further confirm that when the relationship ended I sought the advice of Mr. Tsujihara whom I had been introduced to by Mr. Packer. Mr. Tsujihara never promised me anything. I also confirm that Brett Ratner helped me out of friendship to assist me in getting auditions and trying to help me find an agent, and I have no issues with him or claims against him. I deny that there was any legal settlement or agreement entered into between myself and Brett Ratner in 2016."

“Through her spokesperson, the actress has publicly denied any impropriety in her casting, and our prior investigation did not find otherwise,” said the WarnerMedia spokesperson. “Whenever we receive new allegations, it is our standard practice to conduct an appropriate investigation. And that is what we will do here.”

Tsujihara's attorney, Bert Deixler, added: “Mr. Tsujihara had no direct role in the hiring of this actress.”

While the investigation continues, Tsujihara will remain in his role as Warner Bros. CEO, the WarnerMedia rep said, but the situation may change if additional information is uncovered.

In the current atmosphere of the #MeToo movement spurred by the alleged sexual misconduct by Hollywood power broker Harvey Weinstein, who faces several court dates in New York City. 

SCREEN CAPTURE / CBS

Kevin Tsujihara, (kneeling, 2nd from left) poses with the cast of Crazy Rich Asians.

Tsujihara, recently received the Visionary Leadership Award from the U.S.-China Entertainment Summit sponsored by the Asia Society. He used the podum to advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry. Citing the box office success of U.S.-Chinese co-production “The Meg” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” with its all-Asian cast, he said that “diversity not only feels good; it is good for the bottom line.”

“To maintain our relevance and creative excellence we need to work with new voices to tell new stories, stories that reflect a global perspective, from the faces we see on screen to those writing the scripts and on set, or making the magic happen in the editing room,” said Tsujihara.

He added: “We all must ensure that there is greater inclusion of women, people of color, LGBT+ community, those with disabilities and underrepresented groups both in front of and behind the camera. We know it is right and we know it works.”

Tsujihara, who has served as CEO of Warner Bros. since 2013, saw his role expand this week as part of AT&T's restructuring of WarnerMedia, following an appeals court decision that allowed the go ahead for AT&T's purchase of the company. Tsujihara role expanded under the new ownership, gaining authority over Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies. The Holloywood Reporter broke the same day (Wednesday), Tsujihara was on stage with WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey and his direct reports as part of a town hall with the company's employees to discuss the moves. 

At the very least, some of the employees say the allegations demonstrate a serious lapse in judgment and question Tsujihara's leadership. Others interpreted the allegations as painful evidence that the sordid tradition of the Hollywood “casting couch” is real and still alive and well for aspiring actresses.

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