LOS ANGELES â In late 2017, ICM Partners CEO Chris Silbermann announced an audacious pledge: achieve gender parity in leadership positions and on the board by 2020.
It was part of a larger industry-wide effort called 50/50 by 2020, championed by prominent ICM client Shonda Rhimes and others in the wake of Hollywood s reckoning over sexual harassment. Companies work best when . there is a balance of men and women in positions of leadership and positions all across the company, Silbermann said during a 2018 policy summit. We can t be a company of a bunch of guys who look like me.
Last year, ICM, which represents such stars as Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, Regina King, Michael Keaton and Wanda Sykes â declared victory, telling Variety that at least half the agents promoted to partner status since 2017 were female. In March, the agency said that 15 of its 23 departments are run or co-run by women.
King,
Shonda Rhimes, and more, is facing criticism for a toxic environment rife with misconduct, including workplace racism.
Over 30 former and current ICM Partners (previously known as International Creative Management) employees have testified to the mistreatment, bullying, and harassment that women and employees of color were subjected to, according to an
In response to the allegations, ICM said it “does not tolerate harassment, bullying or other inappropriate conduct. HR investigates all reports received and addresses each with appropriate disciplinary measures up to and including dismissal,” in a company statement sent to the
Los Angeles Times.
After several staffers complained, an HR manager apologized to McDonald. The footage of the Black assistants from the agent-trainee meeting was not included in the final video, he said.
Over 30 sources detailed a corporate culture where harassment and abusive behavior were commonplace
Lindsey Ellefson | May 5, 2021 @ 8:50 AM
Photo: ICM/Brad Turell (Getty)/Carter Cohn (Getty)
Hollywood talent agency ICM Partners was the subject of a blistering L.A. Times exposé published Wednesday where 30+ former and current employees detailed accusations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct against female employees and people of color.
Below are seven of the most shocking allegations (the full exposé can be read here):
A film finance executive at the company alleged that partner Steve Alexander exposed himself to her in car back in 2016. Three sources confirmed he was placed on leave after the alleged incident. Alexander denied the allegations.
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In late 2017, ICM Partners CEO Chris Silbermann announced an audacious pledge: achieve gender parity in leadership positions and on the board by 2020.
It was part of a larger industrywide effort called “50/50 by 2020,” championed by prominent ICM client Shonda Rhimes and others in the wake of Hollywood’s reckoning over sexual harassment.
“Companies work best when … there is a balance of men and women in positions of leadership and positions all across the company,” Silbermann said during a 2018 policy summit. “We can’t be a company of a bunch of guys who look like me.”
Last year, ICM, which represents such stars as Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, Regina King, Michael Keaton and Wanda Sykes declared victory,