As fans eagerly anticipate the fourth and final season of Netflix's hit series “The Umbrella Academy,” the spotlight has shifted away from the show's beloved characters to its behind-the-scenes drama. Recent reports from Rolling Stone have brought forth serious allegations against Steve Blackman, the showrunner of the acclaimed comic adaptation, accusing him of fostering a toxic work environment.
According to Rolling Stone (via The Wrap), twelve writers and support staff have stepped forward, accusing Blackman of a history of “toxic, bullying, manipulative, and retaliatory behavior.” The allegations detail an environment where staffers were pitted against one another, creating a chaotic and manipulative atmosphere.
The situation escalated when a Human Resources complaint was filed in January 2023, painting Blackman as a “manipulative and chaotic showrunner.” Among the more severe accusations is an incident involving a female writing team. It is reported that Blackman fired the team after one of the women gave birth, claiming ignorance of her pregnancy despite conducting an in-person interview during her third trimester.
In response to the complaint, Universal Content Productions launched an internal investigation. The results reportedly cleared Blackman of most allegations. However, the twelve staffers who spoke to Rolling Stone deny the investigation's findings, asserting they were not interviewed as part of the inquiry.
Blackman's representative has vehemently denied the allegations, stating: “These allegations from a handful of disgruntled employees are completely false and outrageous, and in no way reflect the collaborative, respectful, and successful working environment Mr. Blackman has cultivated.”
The allegations come at a crucial time as the show prepares for its fourth and final season, slated for release in August. Despite the controversy, fans remain eager to see how the story of the super-powered Hargreeves siblings concludes.
As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of workplace culture, the revelations about “The Umbrella Academy” serve as a stark reminder of the importance of creating a supportive and respectful environment behind the camera. The full report on these allegations can be read over at Rolling Stone, shedding more light on the claims and their potential impact on the show's legacy.
