N.Y. Producer Accused of Sexually Harassing Cast
N.Y. Producer Accused of Sexually Harassing Cast
#0N.Y. Producer Accused of Sexually Harassing Cast
Posted: 2/21/06 at 10:56pm
N.Y. Producer Accused of Sexually Harassing Cast
February 17, 2006
By REUTERS
A Tony Award-winning producer is being sued by business partners who accuse her of sexually harassing the cast of her off-Broadway play, leading to resignations by half the show's actors.
In a suit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court and made public on Friday, Dede Harris, who produced such hit shows as Hairspray, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and A Raisin in the Sun, was sued by her partners in her latest venture, Dog Sees God for more than $5 million.
Harris' production partners say in the lawsuit she is "sexually obsessive and compulsive and is unable to refrain from sexually harassing cast members of productions with which she is affiliated."
The court papers say that as a result of her conduct, four of eight cast members have given notice to leave the show.
Harris could not be reached for comment but denied the allegations in an interview with the New York Post, saying they were 100 percent false.
The off-Broadway production, which opened on December 15, is a satire of the Peanuts cartoon created by Charles Schultz.
Harris' partners say in the lawsuit that during a game of Truth or Dare with cast members of Dog Sees God, she asked a male cast member "to feel her up" and also made sexual overtures to other cast members. It also says she groped a female cast member in a bar.
The suit further charges Harris made key decisions without consulting her partners, including rehearsal schedules, casting, script changes, ticket prices and advertising.
In addition, Harris is accused in the court papers of sexually harassing people who worked with her in earlier productions.
http://backstage.com/bso/news_reviews/nyc/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002035894
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Updated On: 2/21/06 at 10:56 PM
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
blaxx
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/05
#1re: N.Y. Producer Accused of Sexually Harassing Cast
Posted: 2/21/06 at 10:59pm
Old news
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=887420#1926114
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
#2re: N.Y. Producer Accused of Sexually Harassing Cast
Posted: 2/21/06 at 11:04pmEek. Sorry.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#3re: N.Y. Producer Accused of Sexually Harassing Cast
Posted: 2/22/06 at 12:25am
*BUMP*
Anyone know how refunds will be handled? Do I have to contact anyone or should it just go back on my card?
Variations on a Theme blog: http://panekattack.blogspot.com/
