The Firing of James Snyder from Broadway’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

In a high-profile case that underscored Broadway’s commitment to workplace safety policies, actor James Snyder was fired from the hit production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in January 2022. Snyder, who played the title character of Harry Potter, had his contract terminated following an independent investigation into a complaint of misconduct filed by his co-star, Diane Davis, who played his on-stage wife, Ginny Potter.

The incident came to light in November 2021, shortly after the play resumed performances at the Lyric Theatre in New York City following the prolonged pandemic shutdown. Producers received a complaint regarding Snyder’s conduct on November 19, which led to his immediate suspension pending the outcome of a third-party investigation. At the same time, Ms. Davis made the personal decision to take a leave of absence from the show.

The exact nature of the complaint was not publicly specified, with producers citing respect for Ms. Davis’s privacy and the integrity of the investigation. However, the production company released a robust statement emphasizing their commitment to a safe and inclusive environment, with “strict prohibitions against harassment in any form”.

At the conclusion of the inquiry, producers determined that Snyder should not return to the production, and his contract was terminated. The decision sent shockwaves through the Broadway community and served as a clear message that such allegations would be taken seriously and handled with decisive action.

Before his controversial departure from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a role he had held since 2019, James Snyder was a known presence in the New York theatre scene. His other notable Broadway credits included roles in the musicals Cry-Baby, If/Then, and the a cappella show In Transit. He also had various television appearances in shows such as The Good Wife and CSI.

Snyder did not publicly respond to the allegations or his firing at the time, and his representatives were contacted for comment by several james snyder news outlets but provided none. The producers moved quickly to replace him, with Steve Haggard taking over the role of Harry Potter. The incident remains a significant point in the recent history of Broadway, highlighting the industry’s evolving standards for workplace conduct and accountability.