Hollywood star Olivia Munn and five other actresses recently accused Ratner of sexual misconduct or harassment, but in a subsequent statement, the producer – who has adamantly denied the accusations – claimed the decision to part ways with the studio was his own.
He said: “In light of the allegations being made, I am choosing to personally step away from all Warner Bros.-related activities. I don’t want to have any possible negative impact to the studio until these personal issues are resolved.”
Ratner’s deal with the studio has already expired, but the statement confirmed that the two parties will not be renewing their partnership.
What’s more, the producer will lose his office space on the Warners lot in Burbank, California.
But a source has told the New York Post newspaper’s Page Six column that the decision to end the partnership was taken by the studio, rather than by Ratner.
The relationship was ended shortly after Munn, 37, alleged that the movie mogul “furiously masturbated” in front of her when she was visiting a friend on the set of his 2004 movie ‘After the Sunset’ and entered his trailer to deliver a meal, after being asked to do so as a favour.
The actress said: “He walked out … with his belly sticking out, no pants on, shrimp cocktail in one hand and he was furiously masturbating in the other.
“And before I literally could even figure out where to escape or where to look, he ejaculated.”
Munn let out a “startled scream” and raced out of the trailer, going straight to confide in the man who had told her to go in.
Discussing his response, the star recalled: “It wasn’t a shock. It wasn’t surprise. It was just, ‘Ugh, sorry about that.’”