Melissa Benoist, Emily Bett Rickards speak out amid Andrew Kreisberg harassment news: 'Heartbreaking'
"To the men who committed harassment... and complain about 'reverse sexism': you are weak" Rickards wrote on Twitter.
The female actors of Arrowverse are speaking out about "feminism" and "empowerment" after sexual allegations against Arrowverse executive producer Andrew Kreisberg came to light.
Kreisberg, who is the co-creator of series like The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow and Arrow, was reportedly suspended by the studio over numerous allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate physical contact on Saturday (11 November).
Supergirl actors Melissa Benoist and Chyler Leigh, and Arrow actress Emily Bett Rickards have addressed the issue on social media.
Benoist wrote in a statement shared on Twitter, "I am a woman who leads a show that supports equality and feminism, empowerment, and fighting for what is right. I have always tried to conduct myself this way personally, as well. Sadly the show and my career are a part of an industry that doesn't always mirror these sentiments."
The Supergirl actress called for a change in the industry and continued, "This is heartbreaking, and at times makes me feel helpless. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.
"But I'm an optimist. I believe lasting change is possible, and when people are mistreated, they should have a safe forum to speak their truth and always be heard."
"And when people commit crimes or harass others they should always be held accountable — no matter what industry they work in or how much power they wield."
Chyler Leigh, who plays Alex Danvers on Supergirl, shared her co-star's article and wrote "Love you, Sis! I stand with you."
She also quoted Maya Angelou on Instagram and said, "Each time a woman stands up for herself, without know it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women. Let's stand up, ladies. Lets stand up FOR each other. Let's stand up WITH each other. Let's #CreateChange together."
Emily Bett Rickards, who plays Felicity on Arrow, has also spoken out against the "perpetuated rape culture" on Twitter. She wrote in a statement, "To the men who committed harassment, who perpetuated rape culture, who turn a 'blind eye' and complain about 'reverse sexism': you are weak and complicit."
She concluded her post with, "To the women who found the strength to speak up, to the women who supported one another and to the women finding their voice: You can. You are heroines."