As the mega-producer begins to sever ties with Broadway shows and film projects amid abuse claims, financier Barry Diller remains mother and his key decision-makers remain out of the fray to date.
Call it gentle distance. In the aftermath of April 7 Hollywood Reporter Exposing Scott Rudin’s abusive behavior, a number of industry associations and Rudin himself have begun to address the issue, albeit in vague and toothless ways.
On April 17, Rudin announced that he was renouncing his “active participation” in his upcoming Broadway projects, but gave no indication of what that actually means and which plays will be influenced. Three days later, he released a second statement saying he is also distancing himself from film and streaming projects.
But to date, no player or partner in the industry with emerging Rudin cases has spoken out, and most of the industry is taking courage in the face of listed allegations, including physical assault. Rudin remains a client at WME, an agency that quickly cut ties with other clients accused of misconduct, including Armie Hammer and Brett Ratner. But a WME source was quick to point out that Rudin is a customer with limited capacity, just for television.
The lack of action has left some of the industry’s leading companies feeling frustrated and skeptical. April 12 Walking death producer Gale Anne Hurd contacted the Producers Guild and urged the leadership to take a stand against Rudin. So far the PGA has said nothing, nor the Academy, which counts Rudin as a member. “Scott Rudin’s behavior towards his staff is not only an open secret, but has been tolerated for far too long,” said Hurd THR. “Given the industry’s deafening silence following these recent allegations, it looks like nothing will change. It is heartbreaking that none of the movie / TV studios, networks or unions has made a statement in support of the victims of his alleged criminally abusive behavior. “
In THRIn the April 7 cover story, several of Rudin’s ex-staffers wrote of his harassment, including throwing items at subordinates in the New York office, such as a glass bowl, a baked potato, a teacup and a stapler. At least two staff members ended up in the hospital – one from stress, another as a result of Rudin allegedly smacking a computer monitor on a young man’s hand.
A24 has the strongest ties to Rudin, the producer responsible for many of the New York-based distributor’s most vibrant and profitable films, including Lady Bird, Ex Machina and Uncut gemstones. But it does not yet comment on his ongoing relationship with him. An A24 source tells THR that Rudin is no longer involved with Jennifer Lawrence’s Red, white and water and that of Joel Coen The Tragedy of Macbeth, starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. But it’s unclear if that’s because the films are already in post-production. According to sources, billionaire mogul Barry Diller, a close friend of Rudin’s, has a stake in A24 and is a financier of Scott Rudin Prods.
If Rudin is one of the movie industry’s most powerful producers of the past 25 years, he’s a Broadway titan. He and Jane Rosenthal were approached by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to direct Broadway’s recent Pop Up performances, a partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts and Empire State Development. Rudin’s name was not praised in press releases for the program until April 19. Rosenthal declined to comment, as did the governor’s office. Rudin was expected to lead the program through Labor Day, and he was the foremost player in talent ranking.
But beyond Tony winner Karen Olivo, who announced she would be quitting her lead role Red mill! – no Rudin production – in protest of the community’s apathy to the Rudin allegations, the main decision makers have been left out of the fray. A source tells THR Which Music man star Sutton Foster pledged to quit the upcoming production, seen as one of the most anticipated plays to mark Broadway’s return to business after a devastating COVID-19 shutdown, if Rudin didn’t step aside. But Hugh Jackman of the play did not set such an ultimatum, says another source.
Olivo, for its part, is not holding its breath that real change is engulfing Broadway and lifting a status quo “that favors profit over people.”
This is great news when Rudin is, in fact, distancing himself [Music Man] and cut all ties and not become a co-producer / silent investor, ”says Olivo. “I would like us to focus on repairing damage to the victims, by centering their experience rather than revolving where Rudin pleases Broadway by distancing yourself.”
In the meantime, some of those who suffered as a result of Rudin’s insulting behavior are speaking out. David Graham-Caso posted an emotional video message on Twitter in which he spoke directly to Rudin. The video details alleged abuses that his identical twin brother, Kevin Graham-Caso, endured at the hands of Rudin. Kevin worked for Rudin in 2008 and 2009 and, according to his brother, was “insulted and humiliated, bullied and intimidated and harassed,” and developed a serious anxiety disorder as a result. Kevin took his own life in October.
Rudin’s statement that he “deeply regrets the pain my behavior has caused to individuals” did not impress his surviving brother. “The pain and suffering that Scott Rudin caused will not be cured by doubling down on an empty PR stunt, cynically designed to avoid real consequences,” said David Graham-Caso. THR. “The power to actually change things, to save future assistants from a fate similar to Kevin’s, rests with the people who have abused Rudin for as long as possible. If the actors, writers, and directors who worked with Rudin in the past resist this bully, they have the power to save lives. “
This story first appeared in The Hollywood Reporter magazine on April 21. Click here to sign up.