TV

NCIS: New Orleans fires another exec producer after human resources complaint

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Published on January 30, 2019 10:34AM EST

Four months after the October firing of its previous showrunner, NCIS: New Orleans has let go of another executive producer after a human resources complaint was reportedly made against him.

EW has confirmed that on Jan. 25, CBS fired executive producer Adam Targum, who was hired last spring as the show’s second-in-command. According to a report by Vulture, Targum’s style of leadership was described as aggressive and combative. “Targum has an abrasive personality that doesn’t foster collaboration, rather submission to his ideas,” an NCIS: New Orleans source “with extensive knowledge of the situation” told the outlet.

Vulture also reports that a complaint was made earlier this month to the network’s human resources department, which led to Targum’s dismissal.

“As previously reported, the claims regarding NCIS: New Orleans in 2016 have been addressed,” CBS said in a statement. “Any subsequent reports or claims involving inappropriate comments or objectionable behavior in the writers room — or anywhere on the production — will be investigated, and action will be taken to address any findings inconsistent with a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

“During the past few months, our company has clearly communicated that our culture is a top priority; this includes the production offices and sets of our shows. All show employees, including showrunners, are required to take annual non-harassment training. In 2019, we are committing additional significant resources to expand these education and training programs to foster the best possible creative culture and workplace environment for the production process.”

EW has reached out to Targum for comment.

The NCIS spinoff that launched in 2014 has been the subject of previous investigations by the HR department because of Steve Kern, the former showrunner who was canned in October. Kern had been accused of making inappropriate remarks about female employees — especially mothers — and was alleged to have mocked African-Americans. He also reportedly removed one actress from the show because he found her “unf—able.”

Inquiries about Kern’s behavior began in June of 2016 but he wasn’t demoted until May of 2018, when he was replaced by Chris Silver. Kern still managed to get a new, overall deal with CBS a month later before he was finally let go in October of 2018. His dismissal came at a time of huge upheaval at the network, including the high-profile ouster of CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves and the firing of 60 Minutes chief Jeff Fager. And just last month, actress Eliza Dushku wrote a 2,300-word piece for the Boston Globe accusing her former Bull costar Michael Weatherly of sexual harassment. To stave off a potential lawsuit, CBS paid Dushku $9.5 million — the amount of her contract, had she continued on the drama as a series regular for six seasons.

NCIS: New Orleans, which stars Scott Bakula, is one of the 10 most popular shows on CBS.

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