Report: Netflix crew members can't give 'lingering hugs,' stare for more than 5 seconds

Netflix, headquartered in Los Gatos, Calif., has reportedly released a new set of behavioral guidelines for film crews. Netflix, headquartered in Los Gatos, Calif., has reportedly released a new set of behavioral guidelines for film crews. Photo: Elise Amendola, Associated Press Photo: Elise Amendola, Associated Press Image 1 of / 19 Caption Close Report: Netflix crew members can't give 'lingering hugs,' stare for more than 5 seconds 1 / 19 Back to Gallery

In the wake of a nationwide #MeToo reckoning, Netflix headquarters has reportedly released a new set of behavioral guidelines for film crews.

Netflix crew members mustn't flirt, give "lingering hugs" nor stare at anyone for "longer than five seconds," according to a series of updated sexual harassment policies obtained by the Sun.

Flirting and asking for a colleague's phone number are also reportedly forbidden. If an employee witnesses or experiences unwanted behavior, they must report it to management immediately, the report continued.

"It has sparked jokes," a Netflix on-set runner told the British paper, "with people looking at each other, counting to five, then diverting their eyes."

Netflix did not immediately return SFGATE's request for comment. In a statement to the Independent, the company said: "We're proud of the anti-harassment training we offer to our productions. We want every Netflix production to be a safe and respectful working environment. We believe the resources we offer empower people on our sets to speak up, and shouldn't be trivialized."

The new rules emerge some months after the #MeToo Movement shook Hollywood and the set of the Netflix-produced series "House of Cards." The star of the series, Kevin Spacey, was accused of sexual harassment and subsequently fired.

Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.