Warner Brothers CEO Steps Down Over Claims He Traded Roles for Sex
Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment Kevin Tsujihara. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Getty Images for RatPac Entertainment’s “In Harm’s Way” Event)
The CEO of Warner Brothers, Kevin Tsujihara, has stepped down from his role after claims surfaced that he promised roles in exchange for sex, Page Six reports.
Tsujihara is the latest high-powered executive to be hit with such allegations. A Hollywood Reporter story first made the allegations public that Tsujihara and actress Charlotte Kirk had exchanged text messages detailing his promises to introduce her to influential people in the industry. He also promised she would get roles in film and television as a quid pro quo for their sexual relationship.
Shortly afterward, Tsujihara apologized to staff, saying that his “mistakes” in his personal life had led to “pain and embarrassment” to the people he loves most.
Kevin Tsujihara, chief executive officer of Warner Brothers Entertainment, and wife Sandy Tsujihara in 2017. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
“I also deeply regret that these personal actions have caused embarrassment to the company and to all of you,” he added in the memo.
Since then, Warner Bros. launched an internal investigation, which led to Monday’s decision, announced by Warner media chief executive John Stankey.
“Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the company’s leadership expectations and could impact the company’s ability to execute going forward,” Stankey said.
Tsujihara has been in the role since 2013. The investigation, which is being carried out by a third party, is ongoing, Page Six reports.
