Nickelodeon showrunner fired after abuse allegations

A creator of Nickelodeon cartoon The Loud House, has been fired following sexual harassment levelled against him.

“Chris Savino is no longer working with Nickelodeon,” a spokeswoman said in a statement. “We take allegations of misconduct very seriously, and we are committed to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment that is free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct.”

Nickelodeon had previously suspended Savino, 46, after sexual harassment allegations surfaced against the producer. As many as 12 women have come forward with allegations against him, including BoJack Horseman director Anne Walker Farrell, who wrote on Twitter that she was harassed by Savino when she was 20 years old.

Major animation studios that include Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks and Sony were also sent an open letter signed by more than 200 people demanding an end to sexism and sexual harassment.

Nickelodeon Group President Cyma Zarghami sent a memo to staff encouraging employees to come forward when they face uncomfortable situations at work.

“In the current climate, it feels necessary to say that if you should encounter an uncomfortable situation at work, or witness one, you are safe to speak up,” she said. “If you hear something, and are unsure of what to do, you are safe to tell your supervisor or human resources. If you need help, in any way, you are safe to ask for it.”

The Loud House screens in Australia on Nickelodeon with a third season due in 2018.

Source: LA Times