Advertisement

Geoffrey Rush denies allegations of ‘improper behaviour’

Geoffrey Rush arrives at the premiere of Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' at Dolby Theatre on May 18, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Geoffrey Rush is fighting back after allegations of “improper behaviour” during his work with the Sydney Theatre Company (STC). He claims the theatre refuses to divulge any information about the accusations and Rush’s lawyer says the accusations are an attempt to “smear his name and unjustifiably damage his reputation.”

The Daily Telegraph reported the allegations of inappropriate behaviour occurred over several months during an STC production of Shakespeare’s King Lear. The play ran from Nov. 2015 to Jan. 2016.

READ MORE: Matt Lauer sexual harassment allegations: New details emerge in report

“Sydney Theatre Company received a complaint alleging that Mr Geoffrey Rush had engaged in inappropriate behaviour,” a spokeswoman said to The Daily Telegraph.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“The Company received the complaint when Mr Rush’s engagement with the Company had ended. The Company continues to work with the complainant to minimise (sic) the risk of future instances of the alleged behaviour occurring in its workplace.

Story continues below advertisement

“The complainant has requested that their identity be withheld.”

READ MORE: Charlie Rose suspended after reports of unwanted sexual advances

In a statement, Rush says that that upon learning of the allegation he immediately contacted the theatre but was not given any information about the complaint.

“The moment I became aware of rumours of a complaint I immediately phoned and spoke to senior management at the Sydney Theatre Company asking for clarification about the details of the statement,” said Rush, who has been nominated for four Oscars and won Best Actor honours for his performance in 1997’s “Shine”.

“They refused to illuminate me with the details,” added Rush, 66. “I also asked why this information was being withheld, and why, according to standard theatre practice the issue had not been raised with me during the production via stage management, the director, my fellow actors or anyone at management level. However, no response was forthcoming.”

 

 

 

Sponsored content

AdChoices