"The Rookie" star Afton Williamson has explained why he's leaving The show

By Jennie - 10 September 2021
The Rookie" star Afton Williamson

Afton Williamson, who plays The training officer Talia Bishop on Nathan Fillion's ABC police drama "The Rookie," has confirmed that she will not be returning for season 2. She took to Instagram today to explain her departure. Afton Williamson says she was subjected to a barrage of racism, bullying and sexual harassment while on set, and that complaints to producers were ignored.

"What saddens me the most is that the lengths that were taken to Deceive, Lie, and Cover Up the Truth, were far greater than those made to Protect and Maintain a Safe Working Environment for Employees," Williamson wrote in her Instagram response. "It’s Heartbreaking for everyone on that set; Past and Present. And for every Actor out there who Stands in the Face Of Harassment and Discrimination, Assault and Injustice."

She continued: "My Speaking the Truth, Standing up for myself, and Leaving an Unsafe Work Environment, Changed things for a lot of people: Black Women, Artists, Actors, Victims, and Survivors of Injustice and Discrimination; Gave Hope and a Promise that things Will Change; that things ARE CHANGING. And that is Not in Vain."