Veteran television boss Chris Albrecht has been placed on administrative leave, individuals with knowledge of the matter confirmed to TheWrap.
No reason has been given as to why the company took this action, nor has Legendary issued a statement on the matter. However, the holiday comes after news that an upcoming book about HBO history includes an allegation that Albrecht physically assaulted another HBO executive during his tenure at the cable channel.
According to the 1991 book “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution and Future of HBO” by Felix Gillette and John Koblin, Albrecht tried to strangle Sasha Emerson, a former HBO executive with whom he had an affair. , The book says that he left the company and later had an unspecified agreement with the network.
The book includes a statement from Albrecht, who said he “disapproves of and disagrees with the characterization of what happened.” In a statement to the media on Monday, he said, “The more than 30-year-old, flawed story is now being renewed and recycled for sale. I sincerely apologize to those whom I have spoken to.” Disrespect and completely unacceptable behavior. But he doesn’t sell books or get media attention. Some things grow really well; but bad reporting doesn’t.”
Albrecht was named the head of Legendary TV in February 2021, following his departure from Starz after a 10-year stint with the channel.