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KEVIN STENT / Stuff
Layna Lazar’s post on social media sparked an independent investigation at Weta Workshop. (File photo)
A review cleared Weta Workshop of allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and a toxic culture following claims made in a social media post.
In June, former Weta Workshop artist and model maker Layna Lazar made claims on social media of harassment and one instance where she was inappropriately touched. This caused a flood of people to speak up and a human resources firm was hired to investigate his claims.
But Hive’s Ainsley Benefield found the allegations “unfounded.”
Lazar, who has signed a confidentiality agreement with Weta Workshop, said Stuff of the price that the saga has had in his life.
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“I have colitis [an irritable bowel disease exacerbated by stress]. Because of this whole Weta thing, I’m out of remission, I’m really sick, ”she said.
“I could not work. Things have not gone well at all. Weta has ruined my life. “
Lazar worked at Weta Workshop for almost a year until 2016, making models and concept art for long-running superhero series. Forest ranger. But in June 2020, inspired by the #metoo movement, she posted allegations on social media of bullying and harassment during her time there.
She claimed that she was once touched without consent, in the rear, as she was leaning over a colleague’s desk. Her accusations of being bullied and micromanaged were supported by others who spoke to Stuff.
A press release from Weta Workshop said that Benefield analyzed the specific actions described in Lazar’s social media post, but found that the allegations were “unsubstantiated or, when factual elements were established, were deemed reasonable in context. of circumstances that were not described in the post. “
A spokeswoman for Weta Workshop did not confirm the terms of reference for the investigation or how many people were interviewed.
Benefield made a series of recommendations that include a greater focus on preventing harassment and bullying, as well as establishing additional avenues for the crew to speak up or seek support.
Weta Workshop non-executive chairman George Hickton said the company would implement the recommendations, but said “management practices and the environment have changed markedly since 2016.”
It had a new sexual harassment and bullying prevention policy and had designated support partners and an external mediator available to any crew member who wanted to raise a concern or complaint. Most of the staff and management had been trained to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and bullying and those who had not received it would receive training in the new year.
“The owners, the board and the senior leadership team are committed to ensuring that Weta Workshop is a safe place to work and an inclusive and supportive environment, in which crew members can feel safe raising any concerns or issues. “, said.
Weta Workshop co-founders and owners Tania Rodger and Richard Taylor said the company was committed to a continued focus on caring for people, in a statement.
Meanwhile, a Queen’s Counsel has been hired to conduct an independent review of Weta Digital after allegations of sexual harassment at the Wellington film company.
A company statement said the move was commissioned by the owners. The majority owners are filmmakers Sir Peter Jackson, Dame Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens.
