Charisma Carpenter accuses Joss Whedon of ‘toxic’ behavior on Buffy and Angel sets

Actress Charisma Carpenter posted a declaration accusing Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, of “toxic” behavior on the sets of both series.

Carpenter released his statement on social media on Wednesday in support of Justice League actor Ray Fisher, who has also spoken out against Whedon since working with the director on the 2017 film’s covers. Carpenter explained that she participated in WarnerMedia’s investigation of Whedon and called the director “casually cruel.”

Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase on Buffy and her spin-off Angel, alleged Whedon had “abused his power” on set while they worked together and created “hostile and toxic work environments. “. She said her behavior “triggered a chronic physical illness” from which she still suffered.

Carpenter also alleged that Whedon threatened “continually” to fire her and called her “fat” to her colleagues when she was pregnant. Carpenter accused Whedon of firing her from Angel after giving birth, which fans have been speculating for years.

“These memories and many more have weighed on my soul like bricks for almost half of my life,” Carpenter wrote. “I would have liked to say something earlier. I wish I had the calm and the courage all those years ago. But I choked on shame and conditional silence.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Buffy for seven years, and cast members Amber Benson and Michelle Tratchenberg, all came out in favor of Carpenter.

“While I’m proud to have my name associated with Buffy Summers, I don’t want to be forever associated with the name Joss Whedon,” Gellar said in a statement posted on Instagram.

Benson, who was on the show for two seasons, tweeted: “Buffy was a toxic environment and it starts at the top. @AllCharisma telling the truth and I support it 100%. There was a lot of damage during this time and many of us are still dealing with it over twenty years later. “

Tratchenberg, who played Buffy’s younger sister for three seasons, shared Gellar’s post on social media and wrote, “We know what he did. Behind. The. Scenes.”

Fisher shared Carpenter’s statement to his social media and wrote: “Charisma Carpenter is one of the bravest people I know. I am eternally grateful for her courage and for lending her voice to the Justice League investigation. Read her truth. Share her truth. . Protect her at all costs. This is the time. ‘”

Charisma Carpenter is one of the bravest people I know.

I am eternally grateful for his courage and for lending his voice to the Justice League investigation.

Read its truth.

Share its truth.

Protect her at all costs.

“It’s time.”

A> E#IStandWithCharisma https://t.co/XcT8OnAfbV

– Ray Fisher (@ ray8fisher) February 10, 2021

In 2020, Fisher accused Whedon of misconduct in the covers of the 2017 Justice League ensemble film. Joss Whedon wrapped up the film after Zack Snyder was forced to leave due to a family tragedy. In January, Fisher accused DC Films and Warner Bros. president Walter Hamada undermined WarnerMedia’s investigation into Whedon.

Fisher will reprise his role in Justice League by Zack Synder, but in January claimed he was kicked out of the upcoming Flash because of his charges against Whedon and Hamada.

Carpenter said that while she was “afraid” to speak out, she felt an “overwhelming sense of responsibility” to Fisher and others for speaking out publicly.

“It is quite evident that Joss persisted in his harmful actions, continuing to create wreckage in his wake,” Carpenter said. “My hope now, in finally sharing these experiences, is to create a space for healing for others who I know have experienced similar abuses of power in series.

Representatives for Joss Whedon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.