Universal Picture’s marketing department took a serious hit when its head was placed on administrative leave while another staff member was let go for ‘inappropriate conduct.’
Seth Byers, the Executive Vice President of Creative Strategy and Research, was let go from the company while President of Marketing, Josh Goldstine, was placed on a temporary leave while the investigation was underway.
‘The information provided was detailed, and we believe both credible and indicative of an unacceptable climate,’ said execs Jeff Shell and Donna Langley in a note to staff on Wednesday, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Seth Byers, the Executive Vice President of Creative Strategy and Research, was fired (left) while President of Marketing, Josh Goldstine, was placed on leave (right)
Universal Pictures execs Jeff Shella and Donna Langley sent a letter to staff on Wednesday that said the allegation was ‘credible’
‘Our highest priority is to provide a working environment where every employee feels heard, seen and safe. We commend the people who have had the courage to come forward.
‘We have no tolerance for harassment or other disrespectful behavior, and we will be taking any necessary steps to ensure that actions that violate our core values are dealt with swiftly and decisively.’
Byers first got with the company in 2013, having followed Goldstein from Sony
And while the note doesn’t got into further detail about specific allegations, the execs do list a full review of the department and in-person workplace training for all employees as next steps.
‘We are committed to you, the employees who drive this company and show passion and dedication in everything you do,’ the note reads.
‘We are a resilient, strong organization who sticks together in good times and bad. This is a time for us to recognize that we must foster greater respect and transparency, and we will do that together.’
Byers first got with the company in 2013, having followed Goldstein from Sony.
Goldstein had been with the company for 20 years, before joining Universal in 2011. He became the studio’s president of marketing in 2014.
Michael Moses, co-president of marketing, will be placed in charge while the investigation is ongoing.
Sexual misconduct allegations have rocked Hollywood since last October when a plethora of women began accusing Harvey Weinstein of deplorable and lewd behavior.
Goldstein had been with the company for 20 years, before joining Universal in 2011. He became the studio’s president of marketing in 2014