Nickelodeon Latest Network to Fire Someone over Harassment

EPR Editorial TeamOct 30, 20172 min read

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Heads are rolling at entertainment companies across the country as consumers focus more on industry-wide sexual harassment allegations. The latest brand to fire a creator for allegations of sexual harassment is Nickelodeon. The network, known for children’s programming and goofy kid-friendly game shows, recently announced the firing of Chris Savino, the creator of the animated program “The Loud House.” A network spokesman explained the move in a prepared statement: “Chris Savino is no longer working with Nickelodeon… We take allegations of misconduct very seriously, and we are committed to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment that is free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct.”

Savino Against Multiple Allegations

According to various reports, Savino is left to rebuild his career after “multiple” women said he had sexually harassed them over the years. These allegations were published in The Hollywood Reporter, leaving Nickelodeon facing fan outrage and the need to make a fast statement. Initially, Savio was suspended, and the network would not disclose the reason. But, as more people heard about the allegations, the network had to make a stronger statement. “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on specific employee matters, but we take all allegations of this nature very seriously, investigate them thoroughly and take any necessary actions as a result…” To date, neither Savino nor his representation has made a statement about the allegations. But it’s likely he will not be the last person in the media to have harassment allegations come out and impact their career. After Harvey Weinstein’s fall from grace, it appears to be open season on what some are calling the worst-kept secret in the entertainment industry. The entire industry has been shaken, and it seems like new names are being dropped or coming out every day. Empowered victims are speaking out, and A-list stars are feuding over what has been done, or what should be done about the issues in the industry.

Viacom's President Chimes in

Cyma Zarghami, president of Viacom Inc.'s Nickelodeon Group, passed along a statement to company employees in the wake of Savino’s firing. CNN received the content of that memo and published some of it, including a part in which Zarghami encouraged those who feel harassed to speak up: “In the current climate, it feels necessary to say that if you should encounter an uncomfortable situation at work or witness one, you are safe to speak up… If you hear something and are unsure of what to do, you are safe to tell your supervisor or Human Resources. If you need help, in any way, you are safe to ask for it.”

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EPR Editorial Team

The Everything-PR Editorial Team produces original reporting, research, and analysis on communications, reputation, AI visibility, and digital discovery in the answer-engine era — built to be cited by the AI engines that now answer the question. Publishing since 2009.