Scott Rudin takedown — Page 8

Some example tweets that Donna Murphy is liking on this issue (each bullet is a separate tweet). She has worked with Scott Rudin at least twice (Passion & Hello, Dolly). It's hard not to believe that this provides some evidence she has had difficulties working with the man. To be honest, it's quite overwhelming and I had to stop looking because it's too much! Donna Murphy is following this very, very closely.

• >>"Sutton Foster blink twice if Scott Rudin is holding you hostage."
• >>"Did Scott Rudin tweet this?" (in relation to a video of Sutton Foster saying she hopes rehearsals will start with Hugh Jackman by the fall)
• >>Disheartening to witness most of the entertainment industry be silent about a producer who was exposed for abusing & sometimes physically assaulting his employees. It’s almost as if assistants aren't worth anything in your estimation as long as you keep living your dreams
• >>Several ex-Rudin staffers have gone on the record about volatile and 'traumatizing' past experiences.
• >>powerful thread from the brother of a former scott rudin assistant who later killed himself
• >>none of the major theatre news sites reported on the Scott Rudin exposé. none of them. good lord how deep in his toxic pocket is the industry....
• >>A hidden bad part of the Scott Rudin thing is it sets a ridiculous bar for lesser entertainment assholes to favorably compare themselves to. “Well, *I* never threw a potato at anyone! I’m a dreamboat!”
• >>OK I lied, I have another thought about Scott Rudin, and it is that low-level arts admin need a union. HR departments don't cut it, as evidenced by *gestures wildly at production offices* all of this, and we all know he's not the only one.
• >>Hey @NyGov why is *this guy* heading up the public-private partnership of NY Pops Up?
• >>Tom Cruise to Trey Parker. They all know. Super producer Scott Rudin must be stopped. Enough. What is wrong with you Hollywood? You are putting your values in our minds. Your value system is sick. Stop poisoning us. End power abuse now.
• >>Since Scott Rudin is in the news again we should remember that when Amy Pascal got called out over the Sony email scandal Scott Rudin was the person she was trading racist emails with. But he flew under the radar and the white media let him.
• >>For those who read my Scott Rudin story yesterday, here's an important thread...
• >>Today would be a good day to ask yourself if you’re the Scott Rudin to your own assistants.
• >>I’m going to ask this again: where are the denouncements from the sea of talented directors and writers who have been funded by Scott Rudin? Where is anybody (besides Megan Ellison) saying they will not touch this guy’s money again?
• >>Piggybacking on folks who are pointing out the fact that sites dedicated to reporting news about the theatre world have been totally silent on reporting about the Scott Rudin story.
• >>It is absolutely ****ing hilarious, infuriating, and embarrassing that playbill hasn’t reported on the Scott Rudin story, but their most recent tweet is a quiz where you can guess the missing Les Misérables lyric. Broadway. WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING.
• >>While Scott Rudin’s behavior is his own, there has been a culture that has allowed/celebrated it. All of us producers, especially white cis males, have our work cut out. This will take time to digest, but we have serious work to do in restructuring how business is done.
• >>Broadway folks, a thread:
• >>Kevin would have had a hard time reading this piece. It would have brought up a lot of very painful experiences and trauma. But it was his truth and I hope you will join me in sharing it. Thank you. (16/16)
• >>But Kevin is gone now, and as Rudin’s long-deserved reckoning finally arrives - and hopefully sticks- I’m asking that you help share this piece to make sure people know what a shallow, petty, bully of a person Scott Rudin really is. (15/16) (and the 15 other tweets on this)
• >>Don’t forget: Rudin is coproducing the theatre pop-ups happening now, the first baby steps to reopening. No one in the community is willing to risk their potential future employment.
• >>Read the Rudin piece. (Thank God I never worked with him.) Worked with a couple abusive motherf*ckers once. They picked me. And others. Pondering my buddhism, my propensity for forgiveness, and my obligation to other artists. Speaking only for myself I’m still on the fence. F*CK.
• >>My grandfather - then 81 years old, long retired, living in Boca, never even worked in showbiz - when I moved out to LA, he said, “Beware of Scott Rudin. I’ve heard stories. I’m sure he’s not the only one, but I hear he’s the worst, so be careful.” 100% true!
• >>Scott Rudin types don’t get to exist - with DECADES of well chronicled abuse - without the help of their equals. Other execs just as powerful as him who don’t do a thing to intervene, and who even hold him up as a model of the business in spite of (because of?) such abuse.
• >>Scott Rudin?
• >>that rudin is a monster abuser on par with weinstein is common parlance in the business and has been for decades. that this is being reported as he continues to make bank for his corporate overlords is the real news here.
• >>This is not a secret and the antics are widely known by all in the industry. Will there be any accountability for his actions? We. Shall. See.
• >>outed Scott Rudin’s long reign of horrific physical, mental and emotional abuse of assistants, we waited to see which studios would publicly denounce this behavior and cut ties with Rudin. As of 1pm today, 0 have. (1/?) (and other tweets)
• >>Long in the works. Inevitable during the post-Hollywood landscape. During reporting on a New York story on The Hours, I juggled calls from angry rivals Scott Rudin and Harvey Weinstein. Better to be on the media side than subjected to their toxic scary work environments.
• >>every day i wake up thankful my overqualified 26 year old ass did not make it past the first round of linkedin applications for an entry level role at scott rudin productions
• >>A few months after I quit with no notice, Scott Rudin and I saw each other on the street. He turned around and started screaming after me, "Brian! Brian! BRIAN!!" Not my name. Kept walking. Felt reeeeeal good.
• >>Abuse is so common in Hollywood that often people in workplaces are shocked when the abuse is only “mild.” We have the reckon with the more overt monsters like Scott Rudin but look at this industry. So much is excused and enabled every day across a wide, terrible scale.
• >>But now we said it.
• >>I was wondering when something like this would come out about Scott Rudin. The stuff these guys get away with is astonishing.
• >>The reckoning that’s followed in the wake of metro has to include addressing abuses beyond sexual crimes. I was wondering when, & whether, that would happen, & here we are w/this long-overdue piece. I applaud the courageous souls who’ve come forward.
• >>The news continues to be a cycle of corrupt rich white men terrorizing everyone who stands in their way. Folks complain. People are traumatized. Articles are written. And yet...the cycle continues. When will enough be enough? Something HAS to change.
• >>After Weinstein fell, I kept wondering if he was next, but I feared that not enough people care about abusive behavior that isn't sexual misconduct. I'm glad we've finally gotten here, and I just hope that this article inspires actual change.
• >>don't want to hear one word about Scott Rudin being "canceled." That man is a whole EGOT in addition to being a notorious abuser and he should be stripped of the power he's been lording over people for decades. He has no business being anyone's boss. Consequence time!
• >>Scott Rudin was allowed to be the absolute worst for FOUR DECADES but what he didn't wager is that there would be people who aren't afraid of him and his "loudly racist" self
• >>What's incredible is that this article only details a tiny fraction of Rudin ****ery and yet every paragraph contains a new horror!
• >>It's unacceptable and the whole culture of abuse needs to end
• >>The man tried to blame Audra McDonald and a fluke pregnancy for HIS decision to close Shuffle Along!
• >>Can’t wait for the A-list talent to say they won’t work with Rudin anymore as they just found out he’s physically and emotionally abusive to his staff right now! Let me know the moment they start issuing statements!
• >>Two of my dearest friends worked for him (one as President of Production, the other as VP, finding books to adapt). He used to kick holed in the wall in his rages, and the assistants kept having to buy potted plants to hide the holes from Paramount execs.
• >>Every time I read an article about the horrific, abusive behavior of some powerful person (almost always a man), I just think... it's so much easier to be nice? It's a much more pleasant way of living your life. Wouldn't it actually be better for business to ~retain~ staff?
• >>Every time I read a story like this I think of the Wesleyan theater director who screamed at students, including me, when we were in or worked on his plays. In ways that no other prof would get away with ... because talent! Because theater! Because art! It was celebrated.
• >>'The HR person left in an ambulance due to a panic attack. That was the environment.' This has been such a long time coming.
• >>Widely known, at least in the trade, as one of the worst human beings who has ever wielded power in the arts and entertainment world.
• >>Everyone in Hollywood and Broadway has a Scott Rudin story. Kudos to the people who told theirs on the record with
• >>Several people I spoke to for this Scott Rudin piece told me they spoke to the NY Times last year for a similar exposé. Obviously, it never ran. I'm not sure why
• >>This piece barely scratches the surface of Scott Rudin’s abusive, racist, and sexist behavior. Similarly to Harvey, too many are afraid to speak out. I support and applaud those who did. There’s good reason to be afraid because he’s vindictive and has no qualms about lying.
• >>Producer Scott Rudin is accused of physically abusing his staff in a damning new exposé
• >>Among the allegations in a damning new exposé is that Scott Rudin once “smashed an Apple computer monitor” on an assistant’s hand
• >>I’m so goddamn tired of the “abusive genius”. No amount of success entitles someone to be abusive, and it’s so exhausting that we just let it continue because we’re happy to look the other way as long as we get what we want.
• >>Yup. Seen it myself. "Everyone Just Knows He's an Absolute Monster": Scott Rudin's Ex-Staffers Speak Out on Abusive Behavior
• >>That this FINALLY is happening says a ton about this industry
• >>a major ad agency, is suing Scott Rudin, the powerful producer, for alleged nonpayment of bills
• >>Daily reminder that Scott Rudin is a despicable human being
• >>Even though I'm celebrating the downfall of Scott Rudin, my intention is not to minimize the abuse and trauma his victims suffered (and still suffer). No one deserves the treatment they receive but I'm hopeful that by exposing it, this man never works again. Goodbye, you monster.
• >>My respect and admiration to all those who go on the record in these types of stories, especially in this case
• >>Scott Rudin gave my friend PTSD and before anyone calls anyone a liar, THAT FRIEND MADE RECORDINGS.

Updated On: 4/9/21 at 02:01 PM

let's slow down for a millisecond. The Radar article, even if believed 100%, does NOT say he is quitting. It says he is "feeling pressure."

The production will have to be re-budgeted if he drops out, and not in a good way. Finding the advance will be like discovering water in the Sahara. 

To me there are 2 viable scenarios:

1. It all blows over. (Sadly, this is the more likely.)

2. Rudin is pressured to withdraw. (I would envision that the show would be left in the hands of his big wig partners, bearing in mind that his trusted GM would executive produce. If it doesn't seem like it's blowing over, I'd further expect that he might slither away to the film side of his life for a while, where no one will give a rat's a$$.) 

No, it's not out of bounds to mention Weinstein. And let's throw in the ultimate power player, the orange criminal tRUMP.  And let's not forget Bill Cosby.  

Sexual assault, physical assault, mental abuse & assault..... Do these to your spouse or partnerand it's jail time.  Suggesting it's okay for an employer is beyond nonsense.

Updated On: 4/9/21 at 02:27 PM

leefowler said: "If there was a sexual component to this, he'd be finished. If he made a pass at someone who was unwilling, he'd be cancelled.But all he did was exhibit unspeakable mental cruelty. So he'll be fine."

NO LEEFOWLER...... Throwing objects, one of which caused physical harm, is felonious assault at its worst or assault/battery at a minimum.  You would be thrown in jail for doing the same.  

This is NOT fine.

 

Saw Heidi Schreck tweeted something. Good. 

JBroadway said: "@Hogan, a couple of questions:

Understand that I am just making this up as I go along so there are no "answers" in any definitive sense.

1. When you say "if he drops out" - are you referring to Rudin or Jackman?

Jackman. And in that case, yes some backers will wander, but also (and not unrelatedly) the prospect of massive (premium) ticket sales will wither. Yes it is doable but it will not seem like a blockbuster, at least not on paper.

2. If Rudin were to drop out and hand over producing responsibilities, would he still draw a paycheck from the production through other means?"

Again, I have no clue because this is uncharted terrain. I would think no producer fee check, but I would think that the deal that would be worked out (and I am not confident he would not just go full nuclear and blow the show up instead: there is precedent with him as we know) would be premised on revenue  participation. It would be appealing to deny him that, but the fact is he DID build this production from the ground up. What that deal looks like I have no clue and I would not want to be in the room when it is negotiated.

JayElle said: "NO LEEFOWLER...... Throwing objects, one of which caused physical harm, is felonious assault at its worst or assault/battery at a minimum. You would be thrown in jail for doing the same.

This is NOT fine."

It is NOT fine, but it is dangerous talk to suggest that there is an equivalence between throwing something at someone and sex abuse. Come at this from the other end of the continuum and you should be able to appreciate why we make laws that differentiate between degrees of culpability. What Rudin is known to have done (some of which is totally unacceptable but, for better or worse, not criminal) is not as bad (legally or, imo, morally) as what Levine or Spacey or Weinstein or Trump or maybe Cuomo et al did. We don't lump it all into the same pot, nor should we. BTW, and not really relevant here, but I doubt Rudin would have been sent to jail for hitting an employee with office equipment (based on what has been reported). 

I’ve taken a drubbing in this thread, and looking back I could have chosen some of my words more carefully.

I want to say something however about how many of you have tried to make this about this being another example of a man in power abusing people - whatever definition of abuse you want to go with.

It’s not just the movers and shakers in show business like Rudin that behave like this. Many, and I mean many of the actors, singers, composers, athletes and various celebrities exhibit many of these terrible traits. While they may not all send people to the hospital as in the one article referenced, they can be utter monsters behind the scenes. They belittle and at times humiliate the assistants and low level industry folk who toil very hard and make a sad fraction for what they do and put up with. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

Ten years ago my best friend and I attended a performance of a Tony winning best musical. A good friend of ours was in the cast and asked us backstage after the show for what should have been a lovely meet and greet with the cast. It was completely ruined by someone who is very well known to the Broadway community with some of the worst behavior I’ve ever seen. The cast was humiliated by this persons behavior. When the individual left the cast was left notably shaken by the outbursts and were understandably embarrassed for their guests. In recapping my trip that weekend, I posted about this incident. I saw the entire thing with my own eyes and ears-no second hand gossip. Before a single person had the chance to comment the post was removed by the mods and several days later I received a VERY strongly worded email from this persons representation. I’m being intentionally vague here so I don’t get myself in trouble again.

As stated above-Rudins behavior is so awful and crosses so many lines it’s not even funny. But as hard as this is for many of you to believe - or should I say accept- for all the wokeness and desire for people to act in a much more respectful manner- celebrities in general live in a world that most of us can’t even begin to comprehend. Their bad behavior is almost always accepted because of who they are and doesn’t correct usually until one or several of them in a short period of time get caught doing something that borders on criminal or actually results in charges.  And I’m NOT saying it’s ok - but it is real and I don’t see it changing.  If everyone knew the truth about a lot of those we adore-you’d feel very differently about a lot of them!

You can clobber me over the head and tell me I’m exaggerating-but I know way to many people who work and have worked in theater, film and television. It’s why to this day when I meet someone who is a literal SOMEONE in the business and there’s no acting no bs, their sincere and legit I’m pleasantly shocked. When I find out their also a joy to work with behind the scenes - I become a huge fan for life.

I got to know my all time favorite Broadway performer well - and it’s the worst move I’ve ever made. A total nightmare - and if their personal assistant ever spilled the beans it would make SOME of Rudins behavior look mild.

The last point I’m going to make here - we all have to answer to our own conscience. I fully expect major back and forth if the Michael Jackson musical ever opens. Who will be willing to look past the allegations that are really hard to deal with and who will go and not have it be a deciding factor for them. You can’t decide for everyone else - but you have to live with your own decision.

Updated On: 4/9/21 at 04:49 PM

castlestreet said: "As stated above-Rudins behavior is so awful and crosses so many lines it’s not even funny. But as hard as this is for many of you to believe - or should I say accept- for all the wokeness and desire for people to act in a much more respectful manner- celebrities in general live in a world that most of us can’t even begin to comprehend. Their bad behavior is almost always accepted because of who they are and doesn’t correct usually until one or several of them in a short period of time get caught doing something that borders on criminal or actually results in charges. And I’m NOT saying it’s ok - but it is real and I don’t see it changing. If everyone knew the truth about a lot of those we adore-you’d feel very differently about a lot of them!"

We are talking about someone "doing something that borders on criminal." While we may never live in a world where everyone faces appropriate consequences for how their actions have hurt others, more people are. Things have been changing. Maybe not enough and maybe for some, their worst offenses have yet to be revealed to the general public. But some prominent people are facing consequences. 

The situation between Rudin in Hollywood and Rudin in Broadway is sort of different. In Hollywood he is one of many big executives. On Broadway he is THE big executive. He monopolizes the Shubert Theatre chain and at any given season there might be several Rudin projects occurring simultaneously. So the power he wields is unbelievable. 

Even when he's not being abusive he has so much power. See: the Beetlejuice eviction.

Article about the crickets reaction THR:

https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/after-scott-rudin-bullying-expose-there-are-mostly-crickets/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=owned_echobox_tw_m&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1618005976

so he is mean...is this illegal?  Did he do anything illegal?
Did everyone know he was a poop face when they signed on to work with him? Yes. 
he is a poop face who has employed hundreds of thousands of people, created hundreds of thousands of jobs, given life to creatives, and has produced some of the most successful pieces of art in media and theater over the past 40 years. 
Steve Jobs was a poop face as well. Edison was also a poop face, as was jp morgan, and rockefeller. 
Mark Zuckerberg is a poop face too. As is Jeff Bezos. 

Did any of these men do anything illegal? Or are people's feelings hurt? 

who is John Galt?

Updated On: 4/9/21 at 10:35 PM

massofmen said: "so he is mean...is this illegal? Did he do anything illegal?
Did everyone know he was a poop face when they signed on to work with him? Yes.
he is a poop face who has employed hundreds of thousands of people, created hundreds of thousands of jobs, given life to creatives, and has produced some of the most successful pieces of art in media and theater over the past 40 years.
Steve Jobs was a poop face as well. Edison was also a poop face, as was jp morgan, and rockefeller.
Mark Zuckerberg is a poop face too. As is Jeff Bezos.

Did any of these men do anything illegal? Or are people's feelings hurt?

who is John Galt?"

Um, there's a difference between getting your feelings hurt and getting a trip to the ER because your boss smashed a computer monitor on your hand. I can;t believe you don't see the difference.