Olivia Munn Alleges Aaron Sorkin Tried to Sabotage Her Career on ‘The Newsroom’

Jitters and java jitters collide because this is eye-popping stuff! Picture me clutching my latte: Olivia Munn is firing off a formal complaint, claiming none other than Aaron Sorkin tried to “ruin” her career on the set of The Newsroom. According to documents obtained by People magazine, in July 2023 Munn and her attorney Dina LaPolt filed grievances with HBO’s legal team, insisting Sorkin’s conduct crossed every line in the studio backlot sandbox. She detailed “belittling comments” and “unwarranted criticism,” arguing the famed showrunner used his power to freeze her out of future opportunities.

Sources from Deadline reveal that HBO launched an internal probe soon after Munn’s filing. Insiders say execs interviewed cast and crew—some corroborated Munn’s side-eye moments, others chalked things up to the usual writer-director intensity. Ultimately, HBO’s investigation wrapped up with no disciplinary sanctions, yet it quietly recommended sensitivity and communication workshops for Sorkin. Variety later reported that the network considered the public relations fallout so dire they even floated rewriting credits for future series to keep the drama off the marquee.

Now, I’m buzzing so hard I could power a small city: Munn’s camp says this isn’t just petty squabbling—it’s systemic. In her statement to People, Olivia lamented that “being told I wasn’t good enough in front of hardworking people shook my confidence and resonated throughout my career trajectory.” She claims roles she auditioned for started slipping through her fingers right after The Newsroom wrapped. Meanwhile, Sorkin’s rep fired back to The Hollywood Reporter, calling the allegations “baseless” and “distorted memories,” insisting Aaron “welcomes open dialogue” and “supports a respectful workplace.”

Industry chatter has speakers squealing: insiders whisper Munn’s next career move might be influenced by this dust-up—will she lean into more producing gigs to shield herself, or keep her acting talents front and center? And HBO, having dodged a bullet with no public reprimand, still looks like the uneasy parent who’s promising to keep a closer eye on their star pupil, Mr. Sorkin.

I can’t even sit still! This Hollywood telenovela has more twists than a roller rink on double espresso. Keep your eyes peeled for Munn’s next red-carpet moment and whether Sorkin’s new project comes with a side of sensitivity training. Whew! That was a LOT to process—I swear, I could talk about this all day.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed