Supergirl showrunner Andrew Kreisberg has been suspended by WBTV pending an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment on set. He was working on The Flash, but has credits on basically all the The CW’s DC Comics series, including Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl. On Sunday, Supergirl’s star Melissa Benoist addressed Kreisberg’s suspension on Twitter.
Kreisberg has been accused of inappropriate touching, kissing women without their consent, asking for massages from women onset, and evaluating women “based on their bodies,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. Kreisberg has denied all the allegations, saying that if he commented on people’s appearances it was in his capacity as a director.
Benoist wrote on Twitter that she will be returning to work on the set of Supergirl with the intention of supporting an environment where people can be heard if they feel unsafe or harassed:
I am a woman who leads a show that supports equality and feminism, empowerment and fighting for what is right. I have always tried to conduct myself this way personally, as well. Sadly, the show and my career are a part of an industry that doesn’t always mirror these sentiments. This is heartbreaking, and at times makes me feel helpless. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. But I’m an optimist. I believe lasting change is possible, and when people are mistreated, they should have a safe forum to speak their trust and always be heard. And when people commit crimes or harass others, they should always be held accountable — no matter what industry they work in or how much power they wield. I’ve spoke up about it in the past — publicly and not so publicly — and I’ll continue to do so. All of us should, without fear or shame. We all need to hold ourselves to a higher standard. So this week, I’ll head back to work on Supergirl even more committed to being a part of changing the norm by listening when people speak up, and refusing to accept an environment that is anything less than a safe, respectful and collaborate space.
Other women from the franchise also commented on the allegations against Kreisberg. Emily Bett Rickards, who plays Felicity Smoak on Arrow, posted to Twitter, commending the women who have come forward and condemning the men who she sees as complicit in harassment:
Chyler Leigh, who plays Benoist’s sister on Supergirl, shared a message on Instagram, quoting Maya Angelou and asking that women stand up for each other:
She also seems to be promoting social media handle @shethority, which appeared Sunday night on the Twitter page of actress Katie Cassidy, who plays Black Canary on The CW’s DC series. Cassidy tweeted about “shethority,” though she has not made other references to Kreisberg.