Warner Bros CEO Kevin Tsujihara resigns after reported sex-for-roles scandal with actress

Industry magazine reported that British actress Charlotte Kirk sought Kevin Tsujihara’s help in landing roles

Tsujihara is the first executive of Asian descent to head a major Hollywood studio

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Kevin Tsujihara: ‘I deeply regret that I have made mistakes in my personal life’. File photo: AFP

Published: 5:17am, 19 Mar 2019Updated: 10:17pm, 19 Mar 2019

Warner Bros Chief Executive Officer Kevin Tsujihara is leaving the studio over allegations that he had a sexual relationship with an actress he helped promote, adding to the number of Hollywood moguls toppled by scandal.

Tsujihara’s ouster brings fresh upheaval to a business acquired by AT&T last year, underscoring the challenges of transforming itself from a telecom giant into a media conglomerate.

John Stankey, head of the company’s WarnerMedia, announced Tsujihara’s departure on Monday, saying the executive put the company at risk.

Kevin Tsujihara had an affair with actress Charlotte Kirk, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Photo: AFP

“It is in the best interest of WarnerMedia, Warner Bros, our employees and our partners for Kevin to step down as Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros,” Stankey said.

“Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the company’s leadership expectations and could impact the company’s ability to execute going forward.”