Beauty and The Beast UK Tour Manager Resigns Over Role In Scott Rudin Controversy
The fallout continues over shamed producer Scott Rudin, who is falling under extensive criticism lately for his alleged abusive treatment of staff, colleagues and actors of stage and screen. We also have a new casualty, according to a recent piece in DEADLINE, Rob Roth has resigned from the upcoming UK and Ireland Tour of Beauty and the Beast after being called out for the shamed producer and for shaming of of Broadway’s beloved leading ladies Karen Olivo.
The who situation came to a head when Rudin was apparently writing disparaging comments about Olivo to Rudin on a commercial flight. A passenger noticed and leaked the details.
Roth made an official statement yesterday saying ” Upon consideration of recent events, it is clear that I am not in a position to lead this production at this time. I see now that the sentiments included in a private email that went public were thoughtless and insensitive, and I am profoundly sorry that my comments have caused unintended pain. I deeply regret making light of bullying, which I know to be a horrible experience. For the good of the show and this wonderful company of artists, I have made the difficult decision to step aside as director.”
After Roth’s statement was released, Disney was swift in announcing the Roth would be replaced by director and choreographer Matt West. In an official statement the company said, : “Following Rob Roth’s decision to step aside as director, Disney Theatrical Productions is pleased to announce that Matt West, original choreographer and longtime member of the Disney Theatrical family, will direct and choreograph the brand-new production of Beauty and the Beast which launches its UK and Ireland tour in Bristol this August.”
For those that haven’t been following along with this interesting saga, let’s backtrack a little bit. When allegations of Scott Rudin’s treatment of other’s started to become public, Olivo announced publicly that she would not be resuming her starring role in Baz Lehrman’s stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge when Broadway reopens in September.
During a flight on August 16th, Roth was writing an email to Rudin which was transcribed and shared by a seatmate. In the email, Roth congratulated Rudin (despite allegations of bullying and workplace harassment) for Olivo’s departure saying that he should receive an “honorary Tony Award for somehow getting that horrible woman to quit acting…God bless you Scott for your service to American theatre.” YIKES.
Despite the controversy, The Beauty and the Beast tour is set to launch this August.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Disney-related news and updates!
Source: DEADLINE