In the aftermath of a 2018 that saw CBS embroiled in multiple sexual harassment scandals, including its chief executive Leslie Moonves, “The Neighborhood” star Cedric the Entertainer said cast, crew and executives all had “group seminars” reiterating appropriate behavior.
“We had the group seminars where we come in, and we have the professionals that come in, and kinda reiterate the behavior, words, people and things that [they] may have, through [their own] behavior, didn’t even know that it could be over the top,” the actor told TV critics in Pasadena on Wednesday. “We try to address that, and make sure that, on our set, that it’s reiterated at all times.”
Cedric the Entertainer’s comments came a day after news that CBS fired “NCIS: New Orleans” executive producer Adam Targum, following an HR complaint and investigation.
According to Vulture, the complaint was made earlier this month, with Targum being fired Jan. 25. Sources told Vulture that the former EP — who was second in command for showrunner Christopher Silber — was known for bullying on set, and the HR department was informed that several members of the writing staff had problems with Targum.
Targum’s exit from the show follows that of former “NCIS: New Orleans” showrunner Brad Kern, who exited last October after a third misconduct investigation, and an overall investigation into the corporate culture at CBS after the ousting of former chief Les Moonves over sexual misconduct accusations.
“I would say that all of the executives have shown that degree of professionalism, and that attitude in the climate, especially in the aftermath of last year,” Cedric the Entertainer continued. “Everybody is really walking around on even footing, from the top to the bottom, from what I can see.”