It’s not just COVID causing trouble on Broadway.
Over at “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” there are other issues of substance. Today it was announced that the actor who’s been playing the adult Harry Potter for almost two years has been fired.
James Snyder was dismissed after an independent investigation that began in November. Snyder acted inappropriately with Diane Davis, the actress who played his wife, Ginny. Snyder is married and has two children.
Snyder and Davis were replacements for original cast members. They started around the same time, in February and March 2019.
“The Cursed Child” started out as two plays, Parts 1 and 2, but was combined into one when it returned from the Broadway lockdown. There are a lot jokes on the internet now about Harry Potter and his magic wand, but we won’t go there. It’s bad enough that Davis’s name is out there. She’s the victim, but bravo to her for her courage in this matter.
A statement from the production states in full:
“On November 19, 2021, the producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for the first time received a complaint from Diane Davis regarding the conduct of fellow cast member James Snyder. Immediately upon receiving this complaint, the producers commissioned an independent investigation by a third party, and Mr. Snyder was suspended pending the investigation’s completion.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the producers decided Mr. Snyder should not return to the production and terminated his contract. Ms. Davis has made the personal decision to take a leave of absence. Out of respect for her privacy—and to maintain the integrity of the investigation—we will make no further comment regarding the matter.
We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, which is why we have robust workplace policies and procedures in place for all those involved in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This includes strict prohibitions against harassment in any form, as well as channels through which any employee can report conduct that they believe is inappropriate. We will continue to do all we can to ensure the extremely talented team that brings this production to life feels safe, empowered, and fully supported.”
