It’s been 10 days The Hollywood Reporter published Everyone just knows he’s an absolute Sample,” a long report focused on the alleged offensive work environment created by Hollywood super producer (and EGOT winner) Scott Rudin. The play describes Rudin’s status as some sort of apex bully in the LA ecosystem, a tyrant who likes to physically abuse (usually throw things at or near subordinates) in a regime from emotional abuse that can range from verbal belittling to a frequent habit of firing people and then hiring them again when his mood has cooled. Collecting anecdotes over decades of Rudin’s history in the company (just like this recently Vulture piece) the THR report outlined the shape of a man who would probably come across as a fascinating character in a movie – but who, in the real world, was just another abuser, albeit a very powerful and financially successful one.
Now, however, Rudin seems to be facing a small degree of consequences for his behavior Variety report that the producer has apologized and offered to “step back” from his various Broadway productions. This comes after increasing criticism of his business practices, including by Karen Olivo, the Tony-nominated star who said she wouldn’t be returning to Broadway production of Red mill! (which, for the record, Rudin is not involved) about disgust at the industry’s support for Rudin and people like him.
Rudin gave his vague standard record statement The Washington Post, which also notes that he is apparently considering anger management lessons, which will certainly be a relief to the numerous assistants and subordinates he is said to have beaten over the years. Either way, here’s the explanation:
Much has been written about my history of troubling interactions with colleagues, and I deeply regret the pain my behavior has caused individuals, directly and indirectly. After a period of reflection, I made the decision to withdraw from active participation in our Broadway productions with immediate effect. My roles will be filled by others from the Broadway community and in some cases from the roster of contestants already attending those shows. My passionate hope and expectation is that Broadway will reopen successfully very soon, and that the many talented artists associated with it will once again flourish and share their artistry with the world. I don’t want any controversy related to me to interrupt the well-deserved return of Broadway, or specifically the return of the 1,500 people who work on these shows.