A Call For Change: Scott Rudin to Step Down From Broadway

Broadway and film producer Scott Rudin to step down amid workplace misconduct violations 

Scott Rudin, executive film and theater producer, announced plans to step down from his current involvements in Broadway this week. This decision comes in the wake of a series of allegations of workplace misconduct and abuse.

Rudin, known for his work on popular films like “No Country for Old Men,” the “Social Network,” as well as numerous Broadway musicals like “Book of Mormon,” has been accused by multiple reports as frequently displaying “irate” and aggressive behavior towards colleagues and cast members.

In addition to these claims, Rudin has been cited as habitually creating a hostile work environment for colleagues and cast members.

According to a report released earlier this month by the Hollywood Reporter, Rubin often acted violently when receiving pushback to his demands, with one colleague recalling a time when the executive producer, “smashed a computer monitor on an assistant's hand after failing to secure a seat for Rudin on a sold-out flight.”

In response to these allegations, Rudin issued a statement of apology for his actions and followed up with an announcement of his intentions to leave the industry and relinquish many of his current theater responsibilities.

“After a period of reflection, I've made the decision to step back from active participation in our Broadway productions, effective immediately,” Rudin confirmed in his public statement. “Much has been written about my history of troubling interactions with colleagues, and I am profoundly sorry for the pain my behavior caused to individuals, directly and indirectly.”

While Rudin has publicly apologized for his actions, many actors view the problems that occurred as extending beyond his behavior alone. Some have even called on the industry to take responsibility and action for promoting abuse and mistreatment. 

Tony Award winning actress Karen Olivo took to Instagram to voice her response in regards to the “unacceptable behavior” that occurred, and publicly announced her intentions to not return to the musical the following season. 

“Social justice is actually more important than being the sparkling diamond,” Olivo said. “Building a better industry is more important than putting money in my pockets.” 

Olivo also stated that she would return to the Broadway musical when there is a “theater industry that matches my integrity.” 

Other notable Broadway figures, including “On Your Feet!” actor Mauricio Martinez agreed with Olivo’s criticisms and expressed annoyance at the lack of change within the industry.

“It’s disheartening to witness most of the entertainment industry be silent about a producer who was exposed for abusing and sometimes physically assaulting his employees,” Martinez stated via Twitter. “It’s almost as if assistants aren’t worth anything in your estimation as long as you keep living your dreams.”

Following these abuse allegations and Rudin’s issuing of a public apology, Kate Shindle, president and executive director of the Actor’s Equity Association—a group made up of 51,000 actors and stage managers— , directly praised those who have chosen to speak out against the abuse they received. On behalf of the organization, she also called on Rudin to end all non-disclosure agreements he has made with current employees.

“We have heard from hundreds of members that these allegations are inexcusable, and everyone deserves a safe workplace whether they are a union member or not,” the statement noted. 

“This is an important step in creating truly safe and harassment-free theatrical workplaces on Broadway and beyond. It is not the end of our work to ensure a workplace safe for everyone in the industry.”

While Rudin’s removal from the industry marks a step in the right direction in terms of addressing misconduct, many would agree that significant change still needs to occur to end the ongoing culture of abuse within Hollywood.