Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara Steps Down After Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara has left Warner Bros. amid an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against him, CNBC reports.

Days after the Japanese American CEO was given new responsibilities at the company earlier this month, The Hollywood Reporter published a story detailing allegations of sexual misconduct. The article alleged that Tsujihara helped promote the career of actress Charlotte Kirk, with whom he was having a sexual relationship. According to CNBC, Tsujihara was being investigated for allegedly promising acting roles in exchange for sex.

WarnerMedia previously stated that a prior investigation found no evidence of misconduct.

“Through her spokesperson, the actress has publicly denied any impropriety in her casting, and our prior investigation did not find otherwise,” a WarnerMedia rep says in a statement. “Whenever we receive new allegations, it is our standard practice to conduct an appropriate investigation. And that is what we will do here.”

According to CNN, Tsujihara’s lawyer said he had no direct role in the hiring of Kirk. After the article was released, however, Tsujihara apologized for “mistakes in [his] personal life.”

The 54 year old has been with Warner Bros. for over 24 years. He became CEO in 2013 and a chairman a year later.

“Kevin has contributed greatly to the studio’s success over the past 25 years and for that we thank him,” WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey said in a statement Monday. “Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the company’s leadership expectations and could impact the company’s ability to execute going forward.”

Tsujihara also sent his colleagues a memo on Monday telling them he planned to step down.

“I love this company and the people that make it great. I have been honored to head this organization and work alongside all of its talented employees of the past 25 years. Together we’ve build this studio into an unequivocal leader in the industry,” he said. “However, it has become clear that my continued leadership could be a distraction and an obstacle to the company’s continued success. The hard work of everyone within our organization is truly admirable, and I won’t let media attention on my past distract from all the great work the team is doing.”

There is no word yet on who his replacement will be.

AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff or submitting a story.