#MeToo: Netflix defends working with Kashyap, Motwane for 'Sacred Games'
(Sourced from PTI)
Netflix Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos, today defended the company's decision to continue working with Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane and writer Varun Grover for the second season of 'Sacred Games'. Sarandos said they conducted a probe to ensure a safe working environment. Kashyap and Motwane have been slammed for their inaction in the sexual harassment allegations against former Phantom Films partner Vikas Bahl.
Bahl was accused of sexual harassment by an employee. The inaction charges against Kashyap and Motwane, who have co-directed 'Sacred Games', have been denied by both. Also, Grover was anonymously accused of sexual harassment, a claim he has denied.
When asked if Netflix have different guidelines, in reference of Phantom Films controversy and the individual inquiry conducted by them, Sarandos said they have the same standards. "Every one of this case is completely different, the circumstances are different, the individuals are different, the timetables will be different. At Netflix programming, we're committed to making sure that the workplace is always safe," he said.
Stressing on a safer workplace, Sarandos said, "We have an instituted harassment training at all our productions everywhere and it is same in India, the programme is same in India that we have in the US and everywhere in the world." Sarandos was in conversation with Anupama Chopra on Netflix and the Future of Film during JIO MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in Mumbai.
Sarandos further said, "We conducted investigations in this case and we determined it was appropriate to go forward with Vikram and Anurag and it has nothing to do with anything before. We believe on the basis of the facts that the investigation was appropriate." In an earlier statement, Netflix had said they carried out an independent investigation and are satisfied with the results.
