A physician and Hollywood medical consultant was reportedly under investigation for sexual harassment while working on the set for the ABC television show "Code Black," Variety reports.
Three sources allegedly confirmed to Variety Zachary Lutsky, MD, was informed in 2016 his contract would not be picked up for the third season of the show. The sources said two female employees complained to producers Dec. 12, 2016, about having been verbally sexually harassed by Dr. Lutsky during a period of several months. The following day, Dr. Lutsky was reportedly informed human resources had begun investigating the complaint, according to the report.
Dr. Lutsky currently serves as a medical consultant for the Fox television show "The Resident."
"We have only recently learned of these allegations through an inquiry from a reporter," a spokesman for 20th Century Fox TV, which produces "The Resident," told Variety. "We are not aware of any claims made concerning his conduct on 'The Resident.' We take these matters seriously and are reviewing this."
Dr. Lutsky said in a statement to Variety he is "quite disturbed by these heartbreaking anonymous allegations."
"I take [the allegations] very seriously and categorically deny them. I sincerely care for the feelings of everyone I encounter, including friends and coworkers, and I conduct myself in a way that treats all people with dignity and respect," Dr. Lutsky continued. "As a physician, I have dedicated my life to helping those in need. In my 16 years of practice, I have never been accused of any wrongdoing. True harassment allegations are serious. I have never engaged in, been fired for nor been found guilty of any allegation of misconduct — ever."
Dr. Lutsky was also reportedly the subject of a human resources investigation while working as a medical consultant on the Sony Pictures Television show "The Night Shift," according to the report. However, the investigation closed after the subject of the alleged harassment said the incident had been misinterpreted by the observer.
Variety reports Dr. Lutsky also worked as an emergency medicine physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. However, a spokesperson for Cedars-Sinai told Becker's Hospital Review Tuesday, "Dr. Lutsky is no longer providing services at Cedars-Sinai."
To read the full Variety report, click here.