Cast members and crewmembers of various reality tv shows allege “grotesque” mistreatment from the conglomerate.
Attorneys for the cast and crew of various Bravo, CNBC and E ! shows have uncovered serious issues throughout the NBCUniversal universe.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, reality stars and crew claim that they have experienced or witnessed “grotesque and depraved” mistreatment. The extent of the allegations won’t be clear until NBCU releases people from their non-disclosure agreements.
NBCUniversal’s general counsel received a letter from top lawyers in the industry, claiming that “a day of reckoning” was on the horizon.
Entertainment attorneys Bryan Freedman and Mark Geragos both represent many people employed or contracted with Bravo, E! and CNBC. They represent “current and former cast members and crew members on some of NBC’s most lucrative reality TV shows,” though specific individuals weren’t named.
“We are left with the inescapable conclusion that NBC and its production are grappling with systemic rot for which sunlight is the first necessary remedial media,” the letter read. “To date, that has been impossible owing to the draconian terms of NBC’s contracts with its cast and crew, which contain onerous confidentiality provisions coupled with ruinous penalties for breach. To ensure silence, NBC has been wielding these contractual terms like a sword.”
The letter also alleged that cast members are fueled with alcohol while being deprived of food, sleep and mental health treatment. Oftentimes, cast members were trapped within their shows. Cast members also alleged that NBCU covered up acts of sexual violence.
With the allegations coming as part of a litigation hold letter, NBCU has to preserve potential evidence including internal communication and documents relating to the situation. This also includes all audio and video of the sexual activity of cast members the company has seen or had in its possession.
An NBCU spokesperson released this statement to The Hollywood Reporter:
“NBCUniversal is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for cast and crew on our reality shows. At the outset, we require our third-party productions partners to have appropriate workplace policies and training in place. If complaints are brought to our attention, we work with our production partners to ensure that timely, appropriate action is or has been taken, including investigations, medical and/pr psychological support, and other remedial action that may be warranted such as personnel changes.” – NBCU Spokesperson
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