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

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

Carpenter released her 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 remakes of the 2017 film. Carpenter explained that she participated in the investigation of the WarnerMedia about Whedon and called the director “casually cruel”.

Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase in Buffy and his spinoff Angel, claimed that Whedon “abused his power” on the set while working together and that he created “hostile and toxic work environments”. She said his behavior “triggered a chronic physical condition” that she still suffers from.

Carpenter also claimed that Whedon made “continuous” threats to fire her and called her “fat” for colleagues when she was pregnant. Carpenter accused Whedon of firing her from Angel after she gave birth, which fans have speculated for years.

“These memories and more weighed on my soul like bricks for almost half my life,” wrote Carpenter. “I wish I had said something earlier. I wish I had the composure and courage all those years ago. But I have moved from shame and conditional silence.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Buffy for seven years, and cast members Amber Benson and Michelle Tratchenberg have since spoken in support of Carpenter.

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

Benson, who has been on the show for two seasons, tweeted: “Buffy was a toxic environment and starts at the top. @AllCharisma you are telling the truth and I support you 100%. Much damage was done during that time and many of us are still suing another 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. Back. The. Scenes.”

Fisher shared Carpenter’s statement on his social media and wrote: “Charisma Carpenter is one of the most courageous people I know. I am forever 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. . ‘ it’s time.'”

Charisma Carpenter is one of the most courageous people I know.

I will be forever grateful for your courage and for lending your voice to the Justice League investigation.

Read her truth.

Share your truth.

Protect it 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 remakes of the 2017 Justice League joint film. Joss Whedon completed 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 for undermining WarnerMedia’s investigation of Whedon.

Fisher will repeat his role in Justice League by Zack Synder, but in January he claimed that he had been removed from the next The Flash due to his charges against Whedon and Hamada.

Carpenter said that despite being “afraid” to speak openly, she felt an “enormous sense of responsibility” towards Fisher and others in speaking publicly.

“It is quite evident that Joss persisted in his damaging actions, continuing to create debris in his wake,” said Carpenter. “My hope now, when I finally present these experiences, is to create space for the healing of others that I know have experienced similar abuses of power in series.

Joss Whedon’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.