Chicago P.D. lead Jason Beghe was investigated by NBC and Wolf Entertainment in 2016 for “inappropriate behavior” when the actor faced complaints from several members of the cast and crew that some said constituted sexual harassment.
“When it was brought to our attention that there were concerns about inappropriate behavior on set, we promptly began an investigation in partnership with Human Resources and all parties involved,” said the network, Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment in a statement today to Deadline. “As a result of the investigation, we have already taken action, and it is a situation we continue to monitor very closely to ensure all of our employees feel safe and supported.”
Beghe, who plays Sgt. Hank Voight on the series, was the focus of numerous accusations from cast and crew members on the NBC show. He has apparently consistently used highly aggressive and sexually suggestive language as well as intimidating postures and more, we have learned.
In recent months, star Sophia Bush left the show and at least one other actress and a crew member have seemingly been written out of P.D. or reassigned to another Wolf production. With the testosterone-heavy Chicago P.D. set having been described as a tough environment for a female performer, Bush’s exit, exclusively reported by Deadline in May, was rumored be in reaction specifically to Beghe’s conduct. We hear that the other two departures were also related to inappropriate behavior by the actor.
Representatives for Bush and the other two women did not respond to Deadline’s request for comment on the matter.
Insiders say Beghe’s explosive temperament has long been an issue over P.D.’s nearly four-year run and that the investigation opened last year was long overdue. One source told of incidents of stunts and other altercations with Beghe that got far too physical and left actors injured.
“When it was brought to our attention that there were concerns about inappropriate behavior on set, we promptly began an investigation in partnership with Human Resources and all parties involved,” said the network, Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment in a statement today to Deadline. “As a result of the investigation, we have already taken action, and it is a situation we continue to monitor very closely to ensure all of our employees feel safe and supported.”
Beghe, who plays Sgt. Hank Voight on the series, was the focus of numerous accusations from cast and crew members on the NBC show. He has apparently consistently used highly aggressive and sexually suggestive language as well as intimidating postures and more, we have learned.
In recent months, star Sophia Bush left the show and at least one other actress and a crew member have seemingly been written out of P.D. or reassigned to another Wolf production. With the testosterone-heavy Chicago P.D. set having been described as a tough environment for a female performer, Bush’s exit, exclusively reported by Deadline in May, was rumored be in reaction specifically to Beghe’s conduct. We hear that the other two departures were also related to inappropriate behavior by the actor.
Representatives for Bush and the other two women did not respond to Deadline’s request for comment on the matter.
Insiders say Beghe’s explosive temperament has long been an issue over P.D.’s nearly four-year run and that the investigation opened last year was long overdue. One source told of incidents of stunts and other altercations with Beghe that got far too physical and left actors injured.
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In a statement to Variety, Beghe acknowledged his anger management issues.
“I am deeply sorry for my behavior, which I know has been hurtful to my friends and colleagues,” said Beghe. “I have struggled with anger issues for some time, and over the past year, I have been working with a coach to help me learn how to mitigate my temper. It’s an ongoing process, and it has been a humbling one. It is a source of great pride for me to be part of Chicago P.D.’s incredible cast and crew. I have personally apologized to anyone who I have upset, and I am committed to doing what is necessary to make up any damage that I may have caused.”
Sources tell Variety that his behavior played into Sophia Bush’s decision to leave the show. “She’s been trying to get out of the show for a long time,” says a source close to the show, “but she ultimately left of her own accord.”
“I am deeply sorry for my behavior, which I know has been hurtful to my friends and colleagues,” said Beghe. “I have struggled with anger issues for some time, and over the past year, I have been working with a coach to help me learn how to mitigate my temper. It’s an ongoing process, and it has been a humbling one. It is a source of great pride for me to be part of Chicago P.D.’s incredible cast and crew. I have personally apologized to anyone who I have upset, and I am committed to doing what is necessary to make up any damage that I may have caused.”
Sources tell Variety that his behavior played into Sophia Bush’s decision to leave the show. “She’s been trying to get out of the show for a long time,” says a source close to the show, “but she ultimately left of her own accord.”
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