A series of complaints against Umbrella Academy showrunner Steve Blackman have been revealed
Umbrella Academy showrunner Steve Blackman has been accused of abuse on the set of the popular show.
The case against Steve Blackman
The lawsuit stems from a human resources complaint filed in January 2023 against Universal Content Productions, a production company owned by NBC. It was also revealed that there are currently two other active complaints against the Umbrella Academy provider, which were filed by one of the writers and an actress of the series.
Rolling Stone was responsible for finding information about the case, and after a long investigation, the media came to the following conclusion: “Blackman was a manipulative and chaotic master who fostered a toxic workplace by pitting his employees against each other.” Creating an environment of fear and distrust; taking credit for other people’s work; And the sources made lewd comments that they found sexist, homophobic and transphobic.
When Blackman began to have a bad relationship with the writers and the behind-the-scenes team, he talked bad about them behind their backs to other crew members, causing conflict between people. They were part of the crew, and creating a toxic environment on set. On the other hand, it is said that he often acknowledged the ideas or work of others.
Elliot Page’s transfer case is also part of the lawsuit. While Blackman publicly supports Page, the truth behind the scenes is a different story. Some Umbrella Academy staff say the showrunner didn’t handle the situation well. “Elliot wants to come out as transgender on the show,” Blackman wrote in a text message to Netflix HR. Like Ivan. oh my god. “Kill me now.”
Blackman’s reps deny the allegations related to the Umbrella Academy showrunner’s alleged stance on Page’s transition, and explain that the words were more about stress.
“Faced with a huge task – an extremely busy schedule and the responsibility to manage it with sensitivity and care – Mr Blackman commented on the level of stress associated with this and the responsibilities of managing other programs and a large team.”
However, the complaint notes that Blackman has a history of making jokes aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, which can be offensive: “He’s very good at saying things like, ‘They’re/ What started out as transphobic or homophobic. She.’ But then, ‘It’s all good, I support it. It’s amazing. Live your best life.’ He moves to the edge to see who will join him and laugh, and if no one does, he moves back very skillfully.”
If the above wasn’t enough, Blackman allegedly made lewd, lascivious and derogatory comments. In fact, one worker said: “I found the environment incredibly sexual. If you are a woman, you are treated with hostility or as a fool.
Statement of the Blackman group
“Over the course of six years and four seasons, overseeing thousands of crew members, actors and writers, Steve Blackman has guided The Umbrella Academy into a beloved series with loyal fans, exciting stories and a committed team. “These allegations by a few disgruntled employees are completely false and outrageous, and in no way reflect the collaborative, respectful and successful work environment that Mr. Blackman has fostered.”
At this point, only one producer from The Umbrella Academy has spoken, who confirms that the situation is like many other labor conflicts.