A STREAMING giant has reportedly cut ties with a comic-book writer and producer over allegations of sexual coercion.
Warren Ellis, from Southend, faces allegations of harassment, abuse and sexual coercion from multiple women spanning several years.
It is alleged he abused a position of power to coerce women into romantic relationships.
The 52-year-old former Seevic College student had won acclaim for his animated fantasy series Castlevania on Netflix, an adaptation of the Japanese video game series of the same name.
However, reports say that the streaming giant has severed all ties with him.
The Hollywood Reporter states that Mr Ellis has completed work on a fourth season of the show - the third was released in March - but that he will no longer have any involvement in future seasons.
Following the publication of the accusations online, Mr Ellis released a statement on his Twitter feed, and has since withdrawn from social media and stopped his weekly newsletters.
He denied all accusations of manipulation, abuse and coercion but has apologised for the “hurt” some of his behaviour has caused.
He said: “While I’ve made bad choices in my past, and I’ve said a lot of wrong things, let me be clear, I have never consciously coerced, manipulated or abused anyone, nor have I ever assaulted anybody. But I was ignorant of where I was operating from at a time I should have been clear and for that I accept 100 per cent responsibility.
“I hurt people deeply. I am ashamed for these mistakes and I am profoundly sorry.”
Mr Ellis has previously seen his work adapted into feature films - including Red, which saw two films released in 2010 and 2013 starring Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren.
He added: “I have always tried to aid and support women in their lives and careers, but I have hurt many people that I had no intention of hurting. I am culpable. I take responsibility for my mistakes. I will do better and for that I apologise.”
Representatives for Netflix and Castlevania were contacted but did not respond for requests for comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article