Paramount Television President Amy Powell was fired Thursday after being accused of making racially insensitive comments in a “professional setting.”
Chief Executive Jim Gianopulos said in an internal memo to staffers that multiple people brought up concerns over Powell’s comments in a work-related meeting, though it is not clear exactly what Powell said. Some sources said she made offensive generalizations about black women during a studio notes call for the reboot of “Five Wives Club,” which will have a majority black cast, The Hollywood Reporter reported Thursday.
“Having spent the past several days conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and speaking to those who were present, our Human Resources and Legal teams came to the same conclusion, and we have made the decision to terminate Amy’s employment, effective immediately,” Gianopulos said according to the Los Angeles Times.
Powell denied the allegations of making the unspecified comments. (RELATED: After Attacking Conservatives, Disney Filmmaker’s Tweets Reveal Racism, Homophobia And Assault Against Children)
“There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting,” Powell said in a report to the LA Times. “The facts will come out and I will be vindicated.”
Powell worked at Paramount for 14 years and was named president in 2013. Productions like “13 Reasons Why,” “School of Rock” and “The Alienist” were produced during her time at the company.
“While it is incredibly difficult to part ways with a valued member of our community, it is imperative that we uphold our values and ensure that all employees feel safe and included in the workplace,” Gianopulos said to the staff in the memo.
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