Powerful men are starting to face real consequences for sexual harassment and predatory behavior. Shows are being taken off platforms, roles are getting recast, and while there are some very conspicuous and terrible exceptions, the industry seems to be moving towards a less forgiving approach by trying to ensure these predators do not get more work.
That comedian Louis C.K., who’s since admitted to masturbating in front of women without their consent in a terrible apology, has had a movie release and Netflix special canceled, and other ties severed with shows like Better Things, Baskets, and One Mississippi, sends a strong message: sexual harassment is disqualifying. These are absolutely the right decisions on the part of networks, but as Jen Richards shared last week, Louis C.K.’s misconduct has taken down many other careers. Richards voiced an openly trans character on the now-dead animated FX show The Cops, a role that would’ve no doubt been significant and inspiring. The actress mourned her role, but emphasized that the accountability in our culture is something to celebrate. “This is so much bigger than any one of us, and in the end will benefit everyone,” she tweeted.
This was a sentiment also shared by the Art Director of The Cops, Francis Giglio, who wrote a letter to C.K. on his final move-out box. Giglio shares his story of being a casualty of C.K.’s misconduct–being unemployed right around the holidays when one has a family to care for is a difficult situation to be unexpectedly thrown into. Still, Giglio states that he wholeheartedly stands by the survivors and would “happily walk away from this project and any other project to fully support anyone that needs to come forward.”
Here’s a transcript of the letter, dated November 14, 2017:
“Hi Louis!
My name is Francis Giglio and I a̶m̶ was the the Art Director on your animated show ‘The Cops.’ I am writing to you today to give a voice to another group of people affected by your actions. The amazingly talented crew on ‘The Cops’ that has been tirelessly working hard to create a unique prime time animated show. We now find ourselves out of a job right before the holidays. So many of us are frantically looking for a new project to jump on. Myself included as my wife stays home with our 3-year-old daughter and I want to always take care of them.
However here is the bigger point.
All of the stress and frustration that I find myself in now is nothing compared to the pain and distress you have caused these women. I will happily walk away from this project and any other project to fully support anyone that needs to come forward about sexual abuse and harassment.
Best Regards,
Francis Giglio”
(via Deadline, image: TBS)
Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!
—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—
