London Defender

The Daily Mirror of the Great Britain

Actor James Snyder sacked from Broadway Harry Potter show

An actor who played the lead in the Broadway version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been sacked from his role.

James Snyder, who played Harry Potter, saw his contract terminated on Sunday night, after a complaint was made against him by an actress in the cast.

An independent investigation was made into the claims by Diane Davis, who plays his wife Ginny in the show, after she submitted a misconduct complaint in November last year.

"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" Broadway opening at the Lyric Theatre on Sunday, April 22, 2018, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Image: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is running on Broadway. Pic: AP

The specific allegations made against Snyder have not been revealed.

Producers said in a statement: “Immediately upon receiving this complaint the producers commissioned an independent investigation by a third party, and Mr Snyder was suspended pending the investigation’s completion.

“At the conclusion of the investigation, the producers decided Mr Snyder should not return to the production and terminated his contract.

“We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, which is why we have robust workplace policies and procedures in place for all those involved in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

More on Theatre

“This includes strict prohibitions against harassment in any form, as well as channels through which any employee can report conduct that they believe is inappropriate.

“We will continue to do all we can to ensure the extremely talented team that brings this production to life feels safe, empowered, and fully supported.”

Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

They added that the complainant, Diane Davis, “made the personal decision to take a leave of absence.”

“Out of respect for her privacy – and to maintain the integrity of the investigation – we will make no further comment regarding the matter.”

Sky News has reached out to Snyder’s representatives for comment.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set 19 years after the events of JK Rowling’s final novel in the record-breaking franchise, and has won Tony and Olivier awards for its runs on the West End and Broadway.