Los Angeles, CA – Before the premiere of ‘The Umbrella Academy’ in February 2019, showrunner Steve Blackman had high hopes for the series. Anticipating its success, he began interviewing new writers months before the show aired. However, a female writing team faced challenges during their time in the writers’ room.
Blackman allegedly blamed budget issues for the exit of the female writing team, claiming he wanted a more experienced writer to replace them. A human resources complaint filed in January 2023 accused Blackman of discriminatory behavior, including firing the team because one member was pregnant.
Despite the success of ‘The Umbrella Academy,’ reports of a toxic and chaotic work environment began to surface. Former writers and support staffers described their experiences as tumultuous and challenging, with concerns about retaliation, bullying, and manipulative behavior by Blackman.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Blackman denied any retaliation and insisted that all decisions regarding contracts were based on performance and budget. The investigation conducted by Universal Content Productions largely cleared Blackman of the accusations, but questions remained about the thoroughness of the investigation.
Showrunners like Blackman wield significant power in the industry, overseeing large productions and making crucial creative decisions. The intense pressure and competitive nature of the industry can lead to exploitation and unchecked behavior, as described by former ‘Umbrella Academy’ staff.
The issue of toxic workplaces in Hollywood has gained attention in recent years, with calls for studios to adopt zero-tolerance policies for bad behavior. Showrunners like Blackman have faced allegations of mistreatment and discrimination, highlighting the broader problem within the industry.
Despite the challenges and controversies, ‘The Umbrella Academy’ continued to thrive, with Blackman securing a multimillion-dollar deal with Netflix. The show’s success raised concerns among staff about the handling of complaints and investigations by the production company.
While some sources defended Blackman and praised his leadership, others expressed disappointment with the lack of accountability in the industry. The experiences of former ‘Umbrella Academy’ staff shed light on the complexities and challenges of working in the competitive world of television production.
As the industry grapples with issues of workplace culture and misconduct, the stories of those who have experienced mistreatment underscore the need for stronger safeguards and accountability measures to protect employees in Hollywood. The legacy of shows like ‘The Umbrella Academy’ is not just in their creative output but also in the way they treat and support their behind-the-scenes teams.