Christos Kalohoridis/Netflix
A showrunner on "The Umbrella Academy" has been accused by 12 staff members of "toxic" behavior, including bullying and sexism, while working on the cult Netflix show.
"The Umbrella Academy," which was released on the streamer in 2019 and has run for three seasons, follows a group of superheroes who were around the world at the same time before being raised by a mysterious billionaire.
It is adapted from the Dark Horse Comics series of the same name by the singer of the rock band My Chemical Romance, Gerard Way, which helped it garner a cult following, and Brazilian comic book artist Gabriel Ba.
The show has been fairly successful for the streaming service, with audiences watching 2.454 billion minutes in the first week following the season three premiere in 2022, Deadline reported citing Nielsen streaming rankings. Its fourth and final season arrives on Netflix on August 8.
Rolling Stone spoke to 12 writers and support staff who worked on "The Umbrella Academy" who shared their concerns about showrunner Steve Blackman. Most of them chose to remain anonymous because they were concerned their careers may be affected.
The publication also reviewed several documents and complaints regarding Blackman's conduct, which suggested that he pitted writers against each other, made inappropriate comments to staff, and attempted to take credit for other people's work.
A complaint made by the 12 staff members to the HR department of Universal Content Productions, which produces the show for Netflix, in January 2023, alleged that Blackman had a "long history of toxic, bullying, manipulative, and retaliatory behavior," Rolling Stone reported on Sunday.
One writer claimed that her contract wasn't extended in season two because she was pregnant.
"He told me he fired them because one was pregnant and didn't tell him," another writer claimed, referring to the pregnant woman and her writing partner.
Jesse McKeown, the co-showrunner of "The Umbrella Academy" season four, claimed that he butted heads with Blackman over another writer's pay.
"I always sort of carried that around thinking, 'OK, that was clear retaliation, [but] he would never do that to me.' It happened to me eventually, and a whole bunch of other people in between" he claimed.
In 2023, the Writers Guild of America went on strike for better pay and fairer conditions for the people who create our favorite TV shows and movies. Sources who spoke to Rolling Stones said the allegations surrounding Blackman suggested that showrunners themselves can contribute to tough working conditions.
Being in charge of a TV series at a time when streaming services are desperate to make the next era-defining show is no easy task, especially one as complex as "The Umbrella Academy."
But times have changed as a result of the #MeToo movement and the Hollywood strikes, meaning people feel empowered to speak out about any abuse or toxicity that they have faced in the industry.
Blackman's representatives denied the accusations in a statement to Rolling Stone, calling them "entirely untrue" and "completely absurd."
"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.
"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," they added.
Representatives for Blackman and Netflix did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
