Paramount fires TV chief accused of ‘racially charged’ comment

Paramount fired the head of its television division, Amy Powell, on Thursday after attendees on a conference call complained that she made “racially charged” comments, which she strongly denies. 

Paramount CEO Jim Gianopulos announced Powell’s termination through an internal memo following what the company described as a full investigation.

“Having spent the past several days conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and speaking to those who were present, our Human Resources and Legal teams came to the same conclusion, and we have made the decision to terminate Amy’s employment, effective immediately,” Gianopulos wrote.  

{mosads}“While it is incredibly difficult to part ways with a valued member of our community, it is imperative that we uphold our values and ensure that all employees feel safe and included in the workplace,” he added. 

What Powell is alleged to have said is not specified in the memo. Gianopulos would only say that it was “inconsistent with company values.” 

Variety reports that a company source said Powell made a statement around “black women being angry” when speaking about the Paramount TV series, “The First Wives Club.” The program, per Paramount’s website, “follows three women who band together after their first marriages fall apart.”

“There is no truth to the allegation that I made insensitive comments in a professional setting — or in any setting,” Powell said in a statement. “The facts will come out and I will be vindicated.” 

Powell has served as chief of Paramount Television since 2013. 

Paramount did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.