In a significant move, Netflix has responded to serious sexual assault allegations against actor Mike Harrison, known for his role on the popular sitcom The Ranch. Harrison has been accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct, prompting the streaming giant to sever ties with him.
Harrison’s role as the character Jake Thompson alongside co-star Tom Bennett has been a highlight of the show, which is gearing up to release new episodes. However, following the emergence of allegations from several women, Netflix has decided to write Harrison out of the series. A spokesperson for Netflix stated, “After extensive discussions, we have concluded that Mike Harrison will no longer be part of The Ranch. His last day on set was yesterday, and we plan to continue production without him in early 2024.”
The company made the announcement via their official Twitter account. The allegations came to light in March when three women came forward, detailing incidents of assault that reportedly occurred in the early 2000s. Harrison, who is associated with a controversial religious group, claimed that the accusations were part of a conspiracy aimed at damaging his reputation.
The situation escalated when a Netflix executive, Laura Smith, was confronted by one of the accusers, who has been referred to as Victim A. At a youth soccer game, Victim A confronted Smith about Netflix’s lack of action regarding the allegations. Smith reportedly dismissed the claims, stating, “We don’t believe them,” referring to the women involved. This exchange led to a tense confrontation, with Victim A revealing her identity as one of the accusers.
Following the incident, Smith attempted to clarify her position but reiterated her previous comments. Victim A told her, “I hope no one ever says that to your daughter,” highlighting the insensitivity of the remarks. Although Netflix has denied that the exact phrase was used, they acknowledged the conversation took place and expressed regret over the insensitivity displayed.
In an official statement, a Netflix representative noted, “Laura Smith’s comments were inappropriate and do not reflect our corporate stance. We are monitoring the ongoing investigation into the allegations against Mike Harrison and will take appropriate action as necessary.” While Harrison will still appear in previously filmed episodes, he is no longer part of any future productions.
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In summary, Netflix has officially ended its collaboration with actor Mike Harrison amidst serious allegations of sexual assault. The company has issued an apology regarding insensitive comments made by an executive while affirming their commitment to handling the situation appropriately.