Scott Rudin Plans Comeback After Hollywood Downfall Over Abuse Allegations: ‘It Was Bad Behavior. I Own It’

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After taking a break from Broadway and the film and theater industry following accusations of workplace misconduct in 2021, producer Scott Rudin is now planning to make a comeback on Broadway.

On Friday, The New York Times announced that Rudin is working on several upcoming Broadway shows. Among them are:

1. “Little Bear Ridge Road,” a play by Samuel D. Hunter, directed by Joe Mantello, featuring Laurie Metcalf, set for this fall.
2. “Montauk,” another new play from David Hare, also starring Laurie Metcalf and directed by Joe Mantello, planned for next spring.
3. A revival of “Death of a Salesman” featuring Nathan Lane, Laurie Metcalf, and Joe Mantello for the following season.

Following a report by THR, it was revealed that Rudin faced expulsion from the industry due to his inappropriate conduct towards colleagues. This included hurling office supplies such as staplers and baked potatoes at employees, verbally abusing staff members, and making threats about their careers if they chose to leave his employ. In addition, he destroyed a computer monitor, causing injury to an assistant who required hospitalization. These accusations surfaced following the wave of the #MeToo movement in Hollywood, prompting many victims of abusive work environments to speak out. After four years, Rudin finally acknowledged his misconduct, as reported by The New York Times.

Four years ago, I had less self-control than I do now. But over time, I’ve come to realize my own insignificance in a healthy way. I strive not to disappoint not only myself but also my husband, family, and colleagues. Rudin stated that the events of 2021 were, in essence, unavoidable. There wasn’t much new said; it was just a repetition of things that had been said before. So, when the culture began to shift, I always felt that eventually, it would change for me as well.

Rudin is responsible for Broadway successes such as “The Book of Mormon” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and films like Academy Award-winning “No Country for Old Men” and “The Social Network.” He’s among the rare individuals who have achieved an EGOT (awarded Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). However, following the exposure of workplace misconduct allegations, A24 discontinued its professional collaboration with Rudin.

Rudin admitted that some of what he said was untrue, but much of it was accurate. He chose not to address everything because responding to negative behavior seemed pointless since it was indeed bad behavior. He acknowledged his actions, stating “I own it.” He had always been aware of why he treated people harshly, but for a long time, the high output he produced seemed like a price he could bear. He didn’t consider the impact on others because producing at such a high volume necessitates a degree of narcissism. If one doesn’t believe they are superior to others, why strive for it? There are better ways to earn a living.

A number of well-known Broadway performers, such as Karen Olivo from “Moulin Rouge” and Sutton Foster from “The Music Man”, have called for their productions to sever ties with Rudin following the surfacing of allegations. Similarly, Aaron Sorkin’s play “To Kill a Mockingbird” postponed its reopening as well.

At that moment, Rudin expressed regret through a public declaration, stating “I deeply regret the distress my actions have brought about, and I make this move with a pledge to learn and transform.

Regarding The New York Times, he mentioned, “I plan to return and produce more quality work, and people will react as they will. If certain individuals are deeply upset by it, they have every right to be. I acknowledge my actions, and while I’m proud of the overall outcome, I regret any harm it may have caused to those involved in its creation.

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2025-03-28 18:47