Warner Bros CEO steps down after sexual misconduct allegations involving British actress

The chief executive of one of Hollywood's biggest movie studios has stepped down following claims that he promised roles to a British actress with whom he was having an affair.

Kevin Tsujihara, 54, is one of the highest ranking Hollywood executives to be felled by sexual misconduct allegations.

An internal investigation was launched earlier this month after the Hollywood Reporter published text messages between Mr Tsujihara and Charlotte Kirk, a British actress, going back to 2013.

The messages suggested a sexual relationship between the aspiring actress and the studio head in which he made promises that he would introduce her to influential executives, and she would be considered for roles in films and television.

Kirk appeared in the Warner Bros. movie "How to Be Single" in 2016, and in "Ocean's 8" in 2018.

She has denied any inappropriate behaviour on the part of Mr Tsujihara or two other high-profile movie executives, Brett Ratner and Australian billionaire James Packer, with whom she communicated.

In an earlier statement she said: "Mr Tsujihara never promised me anything."

According to the leaked text messages she wrote to him in 2015: "Are u going to help me like u said u would?"

Mr Tsujhara responded that "Richard will be reaching out to u tonight," referring to Richard Brener, president of Warner Bros' New Line label.

Kirk had been introduced to Mr Tsujihara by Packer. At the time Warner Bros. was finalising a $450-million financing deal with Packer and Ratner. In a message to Ratner, Kirk said she was "used as icing on the cake".

In a memo to Warner Bros. staff on Monday, Mr Tsujihara said he was departing "after lengthy introspection, and discussions".

He said: "It has become clear that my continued leadership could be a distraction and an obstacle to the company's continued success.

"The hard work of everyone within our organisation is truly admirable, and I won't let media attention on my past detract from all the great work the team is doing."

Mr Tsujihara, who has headed the studio since 2013, had earlier apologised to Warner Bros. staff for "mistakes in my personal life that have caused pain and embarrassment to the people I love the most".

John Stankey, chief executive of the studio's parent company WarnerMedia, said: "Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the company's leadership expectations."

Mr Tsujihara's exit follows other high-profile executive departures in the post-Harvey Weinstein #MeToo era.

CBS Chairman Leslie Moonves was pushed out after numerous women accused him of sexual harassment.

Walt Disney Animation chief John Lasseter was ousted after he acknowledged missteps in his behaviour with employees.

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