Brett Ratner is the latest Hollywood power player to be accused of sexual misconduct as the fallout from the Harvey Weinstein scandal continues to make brave victims reveal their attackers to the public. In an article in the LA Times, six women have accused the director of sexual harassment and assault, which has naturally sent ripples through the entertainment industry.
The far more serious fallout is still to come, but the immediate effects are to do with Ratner’s Hugh Hefner biopic starring Jared Leto which was heading into production. Playboy Enterprises naturally now has other plans.
According to THR, production on the film will come to an immediate halt, as well as Ratner’s planned reboot of Playboy After Dark, a 1960s late night variety/talk show. Playboy Enterprises went on to say this:
“We are deeply troubled to learn about the accusations against Brett Ratner. We find this kind of behaviour completely unacceptable. We are putting all further development of our projects with RatPac Entertainment on hold until we are able to review the situation further”.
Warner Bros. also announced it is reviewing their $450 million deal with Ratner’s RatPac Entertainment, while Leto’s camp put distance between the actor and the biopic:
“Jared Leto is not and was not attached to a Brett Ratner-directed Hugh Hefner film, nor will he be working with him in the future. Earlier reports were incorrect and not confirmed by his representatives”.
It’s very unlikely the Hefner biopic will see the light of day, at least in its current form, so don’t expect the film anytime soon. Of course, stopping production on a film is hardly of major importance considering the horrific allegations against Ratner.
#Peace.Love.HughHefner
