As the fourth and final season of “The Umbrella Academy” approaches on Netflix, showrunner Steve Blackman is facing serious accusations from former staff members. According to a Rolling Stone report, 12 ex-writers and support staffers have claimed that working on the show was one of the most tumultuous experiences of their careers. These staffers, mostly anonymous due to fear of retaliation, accuse Blackman of fostering a hostile work environment. One support staffer shared, “They’re saying, ‘Hey, write these scenes,’ and making all these big promises, and you pour everything you have into the job only to be discarded after. It’s just devastating.”
A detailed HR complaint filed in January 2023 accused Blackman of “toxic, bullying, manipulative, and retaliatory behavior.” Allegations include pitting staffers against each other, creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust, taking credit for others’ work, and making inappropriate remarks perceived as sexist, homophobic, and transphobic. Additional complaints were lodged by a writer and an actress.
Despite an investigation by UCP in Spring 2023 clearing Blackman of these allegations, many of the staffers who came forward claimed they were not contacted during the investigation. A UCP statement reaffirmed their commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, emphasizing that concerns are “promptly reviewed, thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action is taken.”
One writer alleged Blackman retaliated against staff who appeared disloyal, with their contributions being scrapped after they expressed concerns about Blackman’s harsher treatment of female writers. Another writer noted, “You have to tread carefully with Steve because there have been times when people stand up to him and then their status is diminished or they are taken off the show. If you push back, he’s going to punish you for it.”
Jesse McKeown, co-showrunner for season four, also claimed mistreatment, stating his role was diminished after he sided with a writer in a pay dispute. “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,” McKeown said.
Aeryn Michelle Williams, a writer for seasons two to four, described the workplace as “sometimes chaotic” and mentioned learning about toxic behavior only after leaving the show. Another female writer noted, “I found it to be an incredibly sexist environment. If you were female, you were treated with hostility, or like you were stupid.”
In response, Blackman, through a representative, provided statements from three sources who have worked closely with him, refuting the claims. One senior producer suggested that “everyone probably believes their own truth,” while another acknowledged the chaotic nature of show business but denied witnessing any toxic behavior.
Blackman’s spokesperson stated, “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.”
As the controversy unfolds, fans eagerly await the final season of “The Umbrella Academy,” hoping the off-screen drama doesn’t overshadow the beloved show’s conclusion.
