‘Extra’ Fires A.J. Calloway Amid Rape Investigation
Host A.J. Calloway was suspended from Extra back in February after rape allegations were made against him, and now after 14 years, Warner Brothers Television has terminated the host, following multiple allegations of sexual assault against him, reports Vibe.
“The company has investigated the claims made into Mr. Calloway’s conduct and he and the company have mutually agreed to part ways,” a Warner Bros. Television representative said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, August 1.
When Calloway was suspended in February, the host was suspended with pay, following the publishing of a report regarding allegations that were made against him by author Sil Lai Abrams, last June by THR.
The alleged incident reportedly happened in 2006. Abrams wrote about it in her 2007 book, No More Drama, describing the host as a “well-spoken B-list celebrity Ray.”
Following the book’s publishing, Calloway was arrested, but the charges were later dropped due to procedural grounds.
Earlier this year, a story was published in The Daily Beast where more accusers came forward. Three alleged rape incidents were included where the alleged victims filed police reports in New York, New Jersey, and California. The incidents date back to 2003, with the most recent report taking place in 2013.
It took way too long, but @WarnerMediaGrp FINALLY took the sexual assault and rape claims about A.J. Calloway made by me and other women seriously. Never stop fighting for what you believe in. #MeToo https://t.co/r1nZzZm0OT
— Sil Lai Abrams AKA Alecto ALT: A Woman Finding ☮️ (@Sil_Lai) July 31, 2019
When the news was announced that Calloway was terminated, Abrams posted on Twitter to respond to it. “It took way too long, but @WarnerMediaGrp FINALLY took the sexual assault and rape claims about A.J. Calloway made by me and other women seriously. Never stop fighting for what you believe in. #MeToo,” she wrote.
Calloway’s lawyer, Lisa E. Davis told THR, “Mr. Calloway maintains that these unsubstantiated allegations are patently false. He vehemently denies that he ever assaulted anyone and looks forward to clearing his name,” following his suspension. Neither Calloway or his attorney have made comments regarding the host’s termination.
