The Royals creator Mark Schwahn has been fired from the TV drama following multiple accusations of sexual harassment.
The writer and executive producer of Liz Hurley’s hit show was suspended from the set of the E! series last month (Nov17) following a string of misconduct allegations made against him from the female cast and crew of his previous TV hit, One Tree Hill.
Officials at Lionsgate TV, who produce The Royals, launched their own investigation into the claims, and on Thursday (21Dec17), they announced they were cutting ties with Schwahn.
“We have concluded our investigation and Mark will not be returning to The Royals,” a spokesperson shares in a statement. “The fourth season of the show has already completed production and will air as scheduled on E! in the spring.”
It is not yet known if The Royals will been renewed for a fifth season.
Actresses Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton were among the women who signed an open letter condemning Schwahn for his behavior on the set of One Tree Hill, backing sexual harassment claims made against him by others, including show writer Audrey Wauchope.
In their letter, Sophia, Hilarie and castmates Bethany Joy Lenz and Jana Kramer, accused Schwahn of treating them in ways that were “traumatizing” and “downright illegal”. Audrey also signed the message, which was sent to trade publication Variety.
