NBC and Bravo reality show stars who accuse the networks of “grotesque and depraved” treatment on set have demanded they be released from their non-disclosure agreements so they can expose the “systemic rot” without fear of retaliation.
The litany of alleged abuses suffered by the as-yet-unnamed stars ranges from discrimination to minors being exploited by not receiving any payment for long-term appearances on shows and showrunners distributing “revenge porn.”
Sources told DailyMail.com that reality star Bethenny Frankel has led “the charge” against the network weeks after accusing executives of exploiting “big-eyed young talent” desperate to get on TV.
NBC said in a statement that it is “committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for cast and crew on our reality shows.”
But in a letter bomb sent to the broadcaster on Sunday, the celebrities’ lawyer Bryan J Freedman said the “scale and scope of the misconduct is greater than previously believed.”
Sources told DailyMail.com that reality star Bethenny Frankel has “led the charge” against the network weeks after she criticized executives for exploiting “wide-eyed young talent” desperate to get on TV.
In a letter bomb sent to NBCUniversal on Sunday, the celebrities’ attorney Bryan J Freedman said the “scale and scope of the misconduct is greater than previously believed.”
Acting CEO Michael Cavanagh (pictured) took over at NBC Universal in April after his predecessor Jeff Shell was fired in April following a sexual harassment investigation
It has been “impossible” for alleged victims to fully expose the “systemic rot” behind the scenes of the company because of illegal non-disclosure agreements that NBC “wields like a sword,” the attorney said.
Freedman, who has previously represented Seth Rogan and Julia Roberts, among others, said that “a significant number of cast and crew members in NBCUniversal’s unscripted programming” including NBC, Bravo and E! have made claims.
This could be just the tip of the iceberg, with Freedman saying in his Sunday letter that “hundreds” or even “thousands” of people have suffered or witnessed abuse from NBCUniversal shows.
“In the course of our investigation, we have not only confirmed the veracity of our initial allegations, but have also discovered that the scale and scope of your wrongdoings is greater than previously believed,” he wrote.
“We are left with the inescapable conclusion that NBC and its production partners are grappling with systemic rot for which sunlight is the first necessary remedy.
Until now, that was impossible because of the draconian terms of NBC’s contracts with its cast and crew, which included heavy confidentiality clauses coupled with catastrophic penalties for violation.
“To ensure silence, NBC wields these contractual terms like a sword.”
The A-listers’ lawyer said they took legal action against the networks on August 3, warning them that “your day of reckoning has arrived.”
Eleven days later, Freedman demanded that NBCUniversal and its affiliates publicly release the unscripted cast and crew of NDAs that he said “violated California law.”
He said NBCUniversal and its third-party production partners have “collectively failed” to comply with the law — along with their own anti-discrimination policies.
This has resulted in “hundreds or thousands of people remaining silent about unlawful workplace behaviors they have witnessed or experienced” – including racism, sexism, sexual assault, revenge porn, child labour, forced intoxication and physical abuse.
“This culture of fear and silence is undoubtedly partly responsible for the disproportionate number of suicides among reality TV participants,” Freedman said.
Please note that this reprehensible practice must end now. NBCUniversal has two choices: lead by example or be forced to comply.”
Freedman ended his fiery letter by re-emphasizing the company’s call for all staff to be released from “illegitimate” non-disclosure agreements.
Weeks before the lawsuit was filed, Bethenny Frankel called for a “reality TV reckoning” while encouraging other television personalities to unite in the context of the historic SAG and WGA strike.
In a video uploaded to both her TikTok and Instagram on July 20, the 52-year-old founder of Skinnygirl argued that reality stars should receive residual payments and stop being exploited by networks and steamers.
“Reality television takes advantage of business, bankruptcies, falling by the wayside, not really having what you say you have, something inappropriate that puts it at risk of being canceled every time the camera comes on,” she said.
Network executives are accused of victimizing reality stars “countless times.” Pictured (LR) the cast of the NBC hit show Real Housewives of New York City Ramona Singer, Jill Zarin, Lu-Ann DeLesseps, Bethenny Frankel, Alex McCord
Sources told DailyMail.com reality star Bethenny Frankel ‘is in charge’
NBC has been accused by reality show stars of a series of disturbing cover-ups
The entrepreneur, who is engaged to businessman and film producer Paul Bernon, further pointed out that she understands how a “big-eyed young reality star” who wants “fame at any price” “doesn’t know it.” what they sign’ and ‘can’t afford a good lawyer.’
The mother-of-one also highlighted how Vanderpump Rules star Raquel Leviss’s affair “virtually ruined” her life.
NBCUniversal said in a statement to DailyMail.com that it is “committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for cast and crew during our reality shows.”
“From the outset, we require our third-party manufacturing partners to have appropriate workplace policies and training in place,” said a spokesman.
“When complaints are brought to our attention, we work with our manufacturing partners to ensure that timely, appropriate action is or has been taken, including investigations, medical and/or psychological support, and other remedial action that may be warranted, such as personnel changes. .’
Bravo has also been contacted for comment regarding the allegations, which were first reported by TMZ.