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Steve Blackman, co creator of The Umbrella Academy, is denying allegations of “toxic, bullying, manipulative and retaliatory behavior” while serving as showrunner on the hit Netflix sci-fi drama.
The allegations by 12 former writers and support staffers on the show were detailed in January 2023 human resources complaint, according to a report in Rolling Stone. The include a female writing team, one of whom was a new mother who returned from leave a month before her contract ended. When the writers room was extended for an additional 10 weeks to complete the season, the female writing team’s contract, according to show sources cited by Rolling Stone, was not extended.
A spokesman for Blackman told Rolling Stone, Black worked with UCP’s HR department to ensure the women’s contracts were concluded “in full compliance with all policies and regulations,” and the decision was “solely based on performance and budget.” Blackman also denied any other allegations of retaliation.
Other allegations made by the former writers and staffers included a demand for “unwavering loyalty” by Blackman and that Blackman would reduce the roles or fire staffers who disagreed or pushed back against his ideas.
Blackman also was accused of comments that sources said were found to be sexist, homophobic, and transphobic.
In text messages provided to HR as part of the 2023 complaint, Blackman wrote to an unnamed recipient, “Elliot [Page] wants to come out as trans on the show. As Ivan. Oh my f—king God. Kill me now.”
But a representative for Blackman told Rolling Stone Blackman initially was hesitant because Season 3 scripts were already written and would require a tremendous amount of work to rewrite and his reaction was not meant to indicate he did not support Page.
Following Page’s transition announcement in December 2020, Blackman told TVLine he felt the storyline was “very important” to include. “We wanted to tell a story that was really pro-trans, authentic, sensitive, and show that families can accept trans people in their lives, and it does not have to be a negative thing, as it’s often portrayed in the media,” Blackman said.
Page, however, was complimentary of Blackman and the show’s decision to feature the transition, saying “one of the most special things about this is how it’s handled.”
Also detailed in the complaint are allegations of sexist, lewd, and disparaging comments by Blackman, according to Rolling Stone.
The Umbrella Academy producer, Universal Content Productions, launched an investigation into the Blackman allegations in spring 2023 and found only the claims that Blackman had made “inappropriate and unprofessional remarks” and used “foul and derogatory language” were substantiated.
“Over six years and four seasons overseeing thousands of crew, actors, and writers, Steve Blackman led The Umbrella Academy to become a beloved series with devoted fans, enthralling stories, and a dedicated team making it all possible,” Blackman’s rep said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “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.”
Deadline has reached out to Netflix and a representative for Blackman and will update when/if we receive.
The fourth and final season of The Umbrella Academy will premiere on Netflix on Thursday, August 8.
