Warner Bros CEO Kevin Tsujihara steps down amid sexual misconduct investigation

He is alleged to have offered to promote the career of actress Charlotte Kirk, with whom he was having a sexual relationship

(Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Warner Bros chief Kevin Tsujihara has stepped down amid an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

Tsujihara, who was the head of WarnerMedia’s film and television studio, does not have an immediate successor, CNN reports.

John Stankey, the CEO of WarnerMedia, said that “it is in the best interest of WarnerMedia, Warner Bros, our employees and our partners for Kevin to step down as Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Kevin has contributed greatly to the studio’s success over the past 25 years and for that we thank him.”

“Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the Company’s leadership expectations and could impact the Company’s ability to execute going forward.”

The move comes after The Hollywood Reporter published detailed allegations that he had offered to promote the career of actress Charlotte Kirk, with whom he was allegedly having a sexual relationship. She was ultimately cast in small roles in two Warners films: 2016’s How to Be Single and 2018’s Ocean’s 8.

At the time WarnerMedia said in a statement: “Through her spokesperson, the actress has publicly denied any impropriety in her casting, and our prior investigation did not find otherwise. Whenever we receive new allegations, it is our standard practice to conduct an appropriate investigation. And that is what we will do here.”

Tsujihaha’s personal lawyer stated: “Mr Tsujihara had no direct role in the hiring of this actress.” He has since issued a statement about this departure.

“I love this company and the people that make it great. I have been honored to head this organisation and work alongside all of its talented employees of the past 25 years,” it reads. “Together we’ve build this studio into an unequivocal leader in the industry.”

“However, it has become clear that my continued leadership could be a distraction and an obstacle to the company’s continued success. The hard work of everyone within our organisation is truly admirable, and I won’t let media attention on my past distract from all the great work the team is doing.”