Actress Afton Williamson has Angela Bassett’s full support following Williamson’s decision to come forward with allegations that she was harassed and bullied by a crew member and guest star on The Rookie.
Williamson announced her decision to leave the series earlier this week, writing, “Throughout the filming of the pilot, I experienced Racial Discrimination/Racially Charged inappropriate comments from the hair department and bullying from Executive Producers. During the Season, it continued along with Sexual Harassment from a recurring guest star and the racist commentary & bullying from the Hair Dept. Head escalated into Sexual Assault at our Wrap party.”
Bassett showed support for Williamson after the announcement, chiming in with a short but very clear message in the comment section of Williamson’s Instagram post.
“I’m SO proud of you and stand COMPLETELY in support of you,” Bassett wrote. “Speak your truth and speak it LOUD!”
Williamson was a regular on the series as officer Talia Bishop. Earlier this week, she named guest star Demetrius Grosse and hair department head Sally Nicole Ciganovich as two of the people who had harassed and assaulted her.
ABC entertainment president Karey Burke told reporters that an investigation is underway, “I wish I had more. We are waiting for answers… As soon as we learn more, we will make a determination based on what’s found.”