What #ZeroTolerance means in life post-#MeToo

The #MeToo era brought a wave of swift organizational responses to allegations of sexual harassment and assault, and the phrase zero tolerance became shorthand for decisive action. In early 2018, Thirteen Reasons Why author Jay Asher was expelled from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators after reportedly violating their harassment code. A statement released by the society revealed illustrator David Diaz had also been removed. “Claims against them were investigated and, as a result, they are no longer members and neither will be appearing at any SCBWI events in the future.” It’s unknown what specific behavior prompted the investigation. However, speaking to Buzzfeed News on Tuesday, Asher disclosed, “I did have affairs with consenting adults, which ended years ago,” adding that he wasn’t pushed out of the society but left of his own accord. Asher suggested he’d been “thrown under the bus” by the allegations. “It’s very scary when you know people are just not going to believe you once you open your mouth. I feel very conflicted about it just because of what’s going on in the culture and who’s supposed to be believed and who’s not.”

Thirteen Reasons Why author “conflicted” about sexual harassment allegations

Asher has maintained that his departure was voluntary and has described lasting professional damage in the years since. By 2026 he reported stalled publishing output, no new major contracts, and significant financial strain. The SCBWI continues to enforce its zero-tolerance policy, confirming that the standards applied in 2018 remain active today.

Defining what “zero tolerance” looks like in action

As Time’s Up and the #MeToo movement may empower individuals to raise allegations concerning harassment, abuse, and assault, such voices and their claims are being taken seriously perhaps for the first time. Like many other unions, groups, and companies, the SCBWI has a “zero tolerance policy” on sexual harassment issues. By taking such a public stand the organization is attempting to send a message of support to the victims of an endemic problem in the entertainment industry, kick-started by the swell of allegations against Harvey Weinstein following two bombshell reports in The New Yorker and The New York Times. The disgraced mogul was subsequently removed by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in October. That same month, Hollywood agent Tyler Grasham was fired by his agency APA, a decision made following allegations he sexually assaulted director Blaise Godbe Lipman ten years ago when he was a child actor seeking representation. Similarly, Broadway director Justin Huff was also fired by casting agency Telsey + Company after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced. Since October countless other industry professionals have been removed from high-profile projects and positions due to allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Nickelodeon fired The Loud House creator Chris Savino after several women accused him of “sexual harassment, unwanted advances and inappropriate behavior.” Warner Bros. cut ties with director and producer Brett Ratner in November after a Los Angeles Times report detailed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against several women. Kevin Spacey was notoriously replaced by Christopher Plummer in Ridley Scott’s All the Money in the World despite his scenes having already been filmed. And Roy Price, the head of Amazon Studios, quit his position after being put on leave following allegations he’d sexually harassed producer Isa Hackett.

Harvey Weinstein’s case has seen multiple trials and appeals, with one conviction resulting in ongoing incarceration. In the broader industry, many employers added HR hotlines, mandatory training, and Respect on Set resources that extend the zero-tolerance approach beyond the initial wave of removals.

Long-term career impacts on individuals accused during the early #MeToo period

Years after the first wave of allegations, some creators reported stalled projects and reduced access to industry events. Jay Asher has described financial hardship and limited publishing opportunities as of 2025-2026, with no new major contracts since the controversy. These accounts illustrate how early accusations can shape professional trajectories long after initial coverage fades.

Evolution of zero-tolerance policies in writers' and entertainment organizations

Organizations that adopted zero-tolerance policies in 2018 have since expanded and formalized them. The SCBWI policy remains active with explicit coverage of events, critique groups, and digital interactions plus non-retaliation rules. Entertainment employers have introduced dedicated HR support on sets and standardized training that applies the same standards across in-person and online spaces.

Guild and union positions on balancing zero tolerance with due process

The Writers Guild of America West has stated support for zero tolerance while clarifying that it includes thorough investigation and does not equate to automatic or uniform punishment. This position addresses the tension between swift accountability and procedural fairness, offering a framework that many organizations reference when updating internal guidelines.

Ongoing challenges and mixed outcomes in accountability years after initial reforms

2025 surveys indicate many workers still perceive insufficient accountability for those in power despite new policies and hotlines. Recent cases continue to test whether zero-tolerance measures produce consistent results across different levels of industry influence. The gap between stated policy and perceived enforcement remains an active point of discussion.

The conversation around zero tolerance has shifted from initial reactions to questions of longevity and fairness. Organizations continue to refine policies while individuals navigate the lasting effects of both accusations and reforms. The balance between supporting victims and ensuring due process stays unresolved in practice even as formal language evolves.