We now have more details about Jason Mitchell's recent departure from The Chi.
It was about a week ago when we learned Mitchell had been dropped from the Showtime series due to multiple misconduct allegations. The details surrounding his termination have not been revealed; however, the series' showrunner now claims Mitchell's inappropriate behavior had been an known issue since the end of season one.
Ayanna Floyd, who joined The Chi in season two, spoke about her problems with Mitchell in a recent statement published by The Hollywood Reporter. Floyd told the outlet she learned about the actor's alleged misconduct at around the time she accepted the gig.
"When I took the helm in season two, it was Lena who informed me of the issues between Jason Mitchell and Tiffany Boone from season one, and that Tiffany was thinking of leaving the show because of it," Floyd explained. "As a result of this information, I discussed Tiffany’s claims with the studio’s HR department and set up HR presentations for the writers, cast and crew. Ultimately, everyone was well aware of Jason’s behavior and his multiple HR cases, including Lena [Waithe], the creator and an executive producer of the show, who is very involved at the studio and network level."
Floyd said she attempted to fix the situation by working with the studio's human resources department, and even told one of Mitchell's accusers to contact HR directly. But as she continued to search for a solution, Floyd reportedly "became a target of his rage and inappropriateness, and had to report him to HR, as well."
THR reports Floyd will not return to The Chi for season 3, despite Mitchell's ouster.
The 32-year-old actor has also reportedly been dropped by UTA, Authentic Talent & Literary Management, and the upcoming Netflix film Desperados over alleged misconduct. Sources told THR Mitchell was removed from Desperados after making "highly inappropriate" comments to multiple actresses in the film.
Per the publication:
“There were two incidents in four days,” says an insider. Netflix did a “quick but thorough” investigation by phone and the producers were given the green light to do what they thought necessary. Another insider says despite anxiety about possibly upsetting Netflix, Mitchell was terminated and replaced by Lamorne Morris.
