Charlie Hanson dismissed from Netflix’s After Life and BAFTA following sexual misconduct allegations

Charlie Hanson, British TV producer and director, is no longer a part of Netflix’s Ricky Gervais comedy After Life. This removal, coupled with Hanson’s suspension by BAFTA, has come amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Deadline has reported that both Netflix and BAFTA were sent an anonymous email earlier this week. The email contained details of the allegations against Hanson. The director is the subject of complaints from 11 women, dating from 2008 to 2015. Hanson has continued to deny his actions.

Netflix has confirmed that Hanson will not be returning as a producer on After Life. "On Monday, we received an anonymous email containing historical allegations about a producer on one of our titles. Whilst the allegations are unrelated to his time on the show, we immediately removed him from the production and referred the matter to the police,” confirmed a spokeswoman.

Gervais, who is the lead in After Life, expressed his shock at the news. “I am shocked and appalled to learn of the historical allegations made by a number of women against Charlie Hanson. The decision was made to immediately remove him from production and I am confident the matter is being handled thoroughly,” he said in a statement.

Hanson, a Golden Globe-winning producer, had been an ardent supporter of the MeToo movement. He was also vocal in his criticism of BAFTA for not taking strict action against Noel Clarke, who was also accused of sexual misconduct. Hanson has maintained that he is not guilty.

In a statement, Hanson told Deadline via his attorney, “I have been made aware of allegations made against me concerning improper conduct towards women dating back many years. Based on the summaries that have been provided to me, I understand that many of these accusations are made anonymously and are demonstrably false.”

"I have not had one complaint in decades of work in the media industry. I categorically reject any wrongdoing on my part, and strongly refute the allegations that have been levelled at me. I have worked with and supported hundreds of men and women during my working life and will do what is necessary to protect and/or restore my reputation. I will also cooperate with any formal inquiries. The matter is now in the hands of my solicitors,” he continued.

Hanson has been removed as a member from his agency as well. United Agents has taken his profile down from their homepage and has withdrawn their representation of the director.

BAFTA has reported these allegations to the police, as confirmed by a spokeswoman. “We have been presented with a number of very serious detailed allegations about an individual and while we are not their employer we immediately took the decision to suspend their membership,” said the organisation.

Hanson and Gervais have been frequent collaborators, having worked together on After Life, Extras, Derek and Cemetery Junction.