Products You May Like
Following the news that Afton Williamson will not be returning for Season 2 of ABC’s The Rookie after the sexual harassment allegations she brought against a crew member and a guest star, we’ve now learned how her character will be written off of the show.
According to TVLine — who first broke the news — Williamson’s Officer Bishop will leave the series, apparently tying up loose ends for her storyline. As showrunner Alexi Hawley explained to TVLine at San Diego Comic-Con, Bishop did not disclose that she has a foster brother who’s also a felon on her police academy personal history questionnaire. Subsequently, “She was never going to get a fair shake at the LAPD. So ultimately she’s transferring over to a federal agency. There she can start with a clean slate and hopefully rocket to the top of the ladder.”
ABC’s 2019-2020 Fall TV Lineup: What You Need to Know
Hawley calls this an “organic” exit for the character, while also giving Nathan Fillion‘s titular rookie “an opportunity to throw other obstacles in Nolan’s way.”
News of Williamson’s departure came in mid-June but it wasn’t until recently that we learned why as she explained her decision to walk away from the show in a series of Instagram posts.
“This season on The Rookie, I was sexually harassed by fellow actor Demetrius Grosse. I was Racially Bullied and Discriminated against and Sexually Assaulted by Hair Department Head Sally Nicole Ciganovich,” the actress wrote in an Instagram caption. While she reported the incident to Hawley, it “remained undocumented and was not reported to HR as promised.” After she was called in for a meeting following The Rookie‘s Season 2 renewal alongside producers and her agent and an SAG-AFTRA Union Rep, “It was clear to all present in the meeting that the Showrunner had not shared my reports with any of the producers.”
Afton Williamson Names The Rookie Guest Star Who Allegedly Sexually Harassed Her
An investigation is currently ongoing, and ABC President Karey Burke explained during the network’s TCA press day, “I learned alongside my colleagues at the end of June that there were allegations. I’m waiting for the results of that investigation just as you are to get more answers.”
ABC did not immediately return TV Guide’s request for comment.
Afton Williamson, The Rookie
The Rookie Season 2 premieres on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 10/9c.