Netflix has removed producer Charlie Hanson from the production of the new series of Ricky Gervais’ After Life and Bafta has suspended his membership following a series of allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct.
11 women have come forward with allegations, sent to Netflix and Bafta, including incidents of serious sexual assault. Hanson strenuously denies the claims.
A Netflix spokesperson said: “On Monday, we received an anonymous email containing historical allegations about a producer on one of our titles. Whilst the allegations are unrelated to his time on the show, we immediately removed him from the production and referred the matter to the police.”
Ricky Gervais released a statement saying: “I am shocked and appalled to learn of the historical allegations made by a number of women against Charlie Hanson. The decision was made to immediately remove him from production and I am confident the matter is being handled thoroughly.”
Bafta’s statement said: “We have been presented with a number of very serious detailed allegations about an individual and while we are not their employer we immediately took the decision to suspend their membership. BAFTA is an arts charity and does not have the power to investigate historic claims of abuse therefore we have referred the matter to the police. The behaviour that these accounts allege is abhorrent, in complete opposition to BAFTA values and has no place in our industry.”
Hanson said in a statement via his lawyer: “I have been made aware of allegations made against me concerning improper conduct towards women dating back many years.
“Based on the summaries that have been provided to me, I understand that many of these accusations are made anonymously and are demonstrably false.
“I have not had one complaint in decades of work in the media industry. I categorically reject any wrongdoing on my part, and strongly refute the allegations that have been levelled at me.
“I have worked with and supported hundreds of men and women during my working life and will do what is necessary to protect and/or restore my reputation.
“I will also cooperate with any formal inquiries. The matter is now in the hands of my solicitors.”
Broadcast revealed that Netflix had removed an unnamed producer from one of its shows following the allegations with The Times then naming Hanson as the man in question.
Jon Creamer
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