Kevin Tsujihara, the chief executive of Warner Bros. studios division, has stepped down after accusations surfaced that he had pushed for a woman with whom he had a sexual relationship to be considered for roles in the company’s films and television shows.
Tsujihara’s exit arrives less than two weeks after an extensively reported exposéfrom The Hollywood Reporter, based on hundreds of leaked text messages and emails, detailed his extramarital affair with British actress Charlotte Kirk beginning in 2013.
John Stankey, chief executive of parent company WarnerMedia, said that it was “in the best interest” of the firm that Tsujihara steps down.
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“Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the company’s leadership expectations,” Warner said.
The firm is conducting an investigation into the allegations. The studio has yet to name a replacement for Tsujihara, who had led Warner Bros. for six years. He was also recently given oversight of a new global business for WarnerMedia focused on kids and young adults.
On Monday, Tsujihara, the first Asian-American man to run a major Hollywood studio, issued an apology to his staff about how “past actions might impact the company’s future.”
Earlier this month, the Hollywood Reporter claimed an actress had sought Tsujihara’s help in landing roles after they had sex. The report included text messages between Tsujihara and the actress, Charlotte Kirk.
