The Flash's Grant Gustin posts moving comments following E.P. suspension over sexual harassment claims

The Flash star Grant Gustin has commented following the recent suspension of executive producer Andrew Kreisberg for alleged sexual harassment.

Here is the actor’s moving statement, which was posted to Instagram, in full:

I can sometimes forget that I live in a world where not everyone has the same rights and privileges as I do. I realize that’s my privilege that makes me forget. Hearing of different men, again and again, especially in the industry that I work in, treating women as if they are less than, and both physically and emotionally abusing them has become a daily occurrence. This is not ok. This can’t become our new normal. These last few weeks I haven’t been sure what to say, so let me just say this. I want to be better. I want to be a better man, a better ally. And I especially want all of the women in my life to know that I hear them, I stand with them, and I support them.

I’m in awe of not just the women who have spoken out these last few weeks, but any woman who has ever done so. I can’t imagine how terrifying it must be and how much courage and strength it takes.

These women are the real superheroes, and they should be treated as such.

Gustin’s statement follows similar sentiments shared by Arrow‘s Stephen Amell and Emily Bett Rickards, Supergirl‘s Melissa Benoist and Chyler Leigh, and other cast members within the CW superhero universe.

Kreisberg, who is also an E.P. on Supergirl, Arrow, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, was suspended from the franchise after 19 people came forward to Variety to describe instances sexual harassment and other physical misconduct over a period of years. Sources accused him of creating a “toxic” environment, claiming the producer frequently touched people without permission, made sexual comments about women’s appearances, and would put staffers, especially women, in uncomfortable situations.

Kreisberg strongly denied these allegations.

Warner Bros. Television released a statement regarding the allegations against Kreisberg late Friday: “We have recently been made aware of allegations of misconduct against Andrew Kreisberg,” the statement said. “We have suspended Mr. Kreisberg and are conducting an internal investigation. We take all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously, and are committed to creating a safe working environment for our employees and everyone involved in our productions.”

Berlanti Productions, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter’s production company behind the shows, also issued a statement Friday night: “We were recently made aware of some deeply troubling allegations regarding one of our showrunners. We have been encouraging and fully cooperating with the investigation into this by Warner Bros. There is nothing more important to us than the safety and well-being of our cast, crew, writers, producers and any staff. We do not tolerate harassment and are committed to doing everything we can to make an environment that’s safe to work in and safe to speak up about if it isn’t.”