As a seasoned observer of Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape, I find myself grappling with the complexities surrounding Jeff Shell’s potential return to the spotlight. Having witnessed the industry’s transformation over the past few decades, I can’t help but feel a sense of deja vu.
Is there a path back?
The question remains unresolved amidst the aftermath of the #MeToo movement’s impact on Hollywood, which began with Harvey Weinstein’s fall in 2017. This issue has surfaced with complex, challenging details, intertwined with vague rumors, as Skydance approaches finalizing a deal with Paramount, potentially appointing Jeff Shell as the president of the merged company.
Shell has never been charged with sexually assaulting or coercing women, however, he was dismissed in August for an improper relationship with Hadley Gamble, a CNBC correspondent based internationally. This action surprised some NBCU executives and industry experts, as Shell frequently praised his wife publicly. However, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, this behavior was not unexpected by many, particularly women within the company. A former colleague stated that Shell had romantic feelings and made inappropriate comments towards women at the firm. Another described him as overly friendly with certain female colleagues, stating “I wouldn’t label him creepy, but definitely awkward.” Shell did not respond to requests for comment regarding this matter.
In the controversy, it was only Gamble’s name that surfaced. She allegedly made a complaint following the news that her contract wouldn’t be extended. Her lawyer, Suzanne McKie, verified that charges of sexual harassment and gender discrimination had been submitted, but chose not to provide additional details.
As Shell gets closer to taking on a senior role, whispers about other women he may have made advances towards have surfaced. So far, no one has come forward with an official complaint, but sources familiar with NBCU claim there were other instances of questionable conduct, although they didn’t reach the severity of the Gamble incident. One woman who has been mentioned in this context admits that Shell was flirtatious, but doesn’t believe his actions warrant him being benched.
A high-ranking executive from NBCU, who is a man, acknowledges the rising concerns. “He’s not a sexual predator,” he asserts. “I believe he didn’t fully consider the implications of his words and actions. If this individual is to assume the number two position at a significant studio, it’s natural for people to query this decision.”
As a conscientious employee and ardent supporter of workplace equality, I’ve long recognized that sexual harassment has been unacceptable for decades. A manager who crosses professional boundaries with an employee is treading on thin ice, risking consequences similar to those faced in the infamous Gamble case. Moreover, it’s not just the direct victims who can suffer; any staff member not involved with the manager can file a lawsuit if they perceive that sexual favoritism has created a hostile work environment.
Shell’s past might lead to some concerns about his ability to separate his actions effectively. In March 2018, he dismissed and subsequently terminated the film studio’s marketing chief, Josh Goldstine, due to accusations that he fostered an environment that was unacceptable. With no other work opportunities available, Goldstine opted for legal action. After almost two years, he won a $20 million arbitration award. Despite his arbitration triumph, Goldstine had to fight in court to secure a judgment declaring him innocent before Warner Bros. could employ him as the current president of worldwide marketing.
In August 2020, Shell dismissed NBCU vice chairman Ron Meyer. The long-serving executive had a brief affair with aspiring actress Charlotte Kirk. When she and her partner threatened to sue Meyer and NBCU, Meyer paid them money in an attempt to keep the matter quiet. In a podcast interview in July 2022, Meyer stated that it was not a #MeToo situation, as the relationship was consensual, and the woman involved was not an employee of NBCU. According to an NBCU source, Meyer was fired not for his involvement with Kirk, but because he failed to inform the company about the legal threat. However, there was a sense of irony in this situation, as Kirk was also implicated in the fall of Warner Bros. chairman Kevin Tsujihara.
In simpler terms, hiring Shell by Skydance Media could potentially be awkward due to the history at Skydance. Back in January 2019, CEO David Ellison brought on John Lasseter, who was previously a head at Pixar and Disney Animation but had been dismissed in November 2017 over allegations of misconduct towards women. These included actions like rubbing their legs and kissing them without consent. While these actions were initially downplayed as unwanted hugs, no public company was ready to work with Lasseter after that. Since Skydance is not a public company, Ellison seemed to believe he had more freedom in this decision.
After securing my new role with the Skydance animation team, I took the opportunity to speak with them about our newest colleague, Lasseter. I asked everyone to give him a fair chance to demonstrate his professional abilities. Meanwhile, it was confirmed within Paramount’s animation department that they would not be collaborating with Lasseter.
Once more, Ellison remains steadfastly supportive of his colleague. The Paramount-Skydance agreement is yet to be finalized: Paramount has until August 21st to consider bids from other potential buyers, followed by a thorough regulatory examination. Some within the industry believe that Shell has suffered enough, having been terminated publicly for cause and losing out on stock awards worth approximately $43.3 million. They point out that he acknowledged his involvement with Gamble and expressed regret for an unsuitable relationship with a company woman, stating that he was “deeply sorry” for disappointing his peers.
A previous NBCU executive, who labeled Shell’s actions as “flirtatious,” believes Ellison will be in a secure position since Shell is expected to be more professional from now on (i.e., “very buttoned-up”). However, another former NBCU executive feels it might be premature to give Shell a leadership role again. She argues that regardless of consent, those in power who engage in such behavior should face repercussions. Throughout her career, she has observed people escaping accountability for similar actions.
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2024-08-13 22:55