[Paramount Pictures]
A Paramount studio rep stated on Tuesday: “We are committed to fostering a safe and professional workplace that is free of harassment or inappropriate conduct, so we take allegations of misconduct and impropriety very seriously. We received allegations of inappropriate and unwanted conduct by Dylan Brown in the workplace and we conducted a thorough investigation, and he is no longer employed by the company.”
Although Paramount did not give specifics to Brown’s behaviour, a close source indicated that multiple women in production staff accused the ex-Pixar animator of sexual and abusive harassment. Such mistreatment included sexually inappropriate comments and physical interactions. It was also said that Brown had been fired two weeks ago following an investigation by Paramount’s legal staff.
This mirrors a similar situation which happened last October with Nickelodeon (also owned by Viacom) when The Loud House creator Chris Savino was fired over sexual harassment allegations. One month later, Disney/Pixar Animation chief creative officer John Lasseter took a leave of absence following allegations of misconduct.
Amusement Park, a co-production between Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Movies, and Spain-based Ilion Animation Studios, is still scheduled for theatrical release on March 15, 2019. As the film is near completion, no replacement director will be hired. It is currently unknown at this point if Brown will still be credited in the finished film.
Our condolences go out towards all the talented women who were affected by this tasteless behaviour.