Another Big Hollywood Figure Steps Down

This development isn't too much of a surprise after the damning investigation by the Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara has stepped down over allegations of an improper relationship with actress Charlotte Kirk, reports the Wall Street Journal. Essentially, Tsujihara is accused of wielding improper influence to land roles for Kirk, with whom he had a sexual relationship for years. He sent out an internal memo last week in which he apologized for "mistakes in my personal life that have caused pain and embarrassment to the people I love the most" and to the company itself.

Parent company AT&T continues to investigate the allegations, and Warner exec John Stankey said Tsujihara's exit is in the "best interest" of the studio, per the AP. "Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the company's leadership expectations and could impact the company's ability to execute going forward." Kirk, who appeared in Warner Bros.' How to Be Single and Ocean's 8, has denied any impropriety on the part of herself, Tsujihara, or two other execs with whom she was in contact, Brett Ratner and James Packer. "Mr. Tsujihara never promised me anything," she says. (Read telling texts between Tsujihara and Kirk.)