Last week, actress Charisma Carpenter revealed the abuse she faced at the hands of Joss Whedon on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.
Carpenter skillfully played Cordelia Chase in the cult classic and her spinoff, before her character fell to the ground and was eventually eliminated. Carpenter claimed that this was due to her pregnancy.
Numerous Buffy costars, including Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy), Michelle Trachtenberg, Amber Benson, Eliza Dushku and Emma Caulfield expressed their support.
20thcentfox / Â © 20thCentFox / Courtesy Everett Collection
Most of the statements were broad, but notably, Trachtenberg, who was a minor during her time as Buffy’s younger sister, Dawn, claimed that Joss was not allowed to be in a room alone with her during filming. Alyson Hannigan (who played Willow) is the only Buffy lead that has not yet released a statement.
Previously, some cast members seemed to be a little quiet – especially the male stars of the shows. In particular, David Boreanaz, who played Angel in Angel and Buffy, had not yet spoken. However, this morning, he broke the silence.
@AllCharisma I am here to listen and support you. Proud of your strength ♥ ️🙏
Although Boreanaz’s response was short and succinct, Carpenter replied that he also expressed his support in particular.
@David_Boreanaz I know you are here for me, David. I appreciate everything you did to demonstrate this support in particular. Especially since Wednesday. -Thank you very much. ♥ ️
Other male stars spoke recently as well, including James Marsters, who played Spike, another great love interest for Buffy (we don’t talk about Riley in this house). Marsters was also featured in Angel.
Although I always have the honor of playing Spike’s character, Buffy’s scenario had challenges. I do not support abuse of any kind and I am heartbroken to learn of the experiences of some of the cast. I send my love and support to everyone involved.
Marsters’ statement echoes Gellar’s – she also stated how proud she was of her character and legacy, but distanced herself from Joss.
Anthony Stewart Head, who played mentor Giles in Buffy, also spoke about the accusations last week, sharing his hurt that he was unaware of the abuse.
James Sorenson / 20th Century Fox / courtesy of the Everett collection
“I’m devastated,” he said, clarifying that he believed in the victims and that just because he didn’t see them, it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. “I was kind of a father figure … I hope someone comes up to me and says, ‘I’m fighting, I just had a horrible conversation.'”
Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander in Buffy, talked about Joss in a Facebook Live video yesterday. He expressed support for Carpenter and mixed feelings about the ordeal. Although Brendon says he has love for Joss, he also felt the director’s rudeness.
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In the hospital video (where he is awaiting spinal surgery), Brendon said he hopes it will grow and heal, and that Joss can become a better person. He suggested that he himself saw and experienced “transgressions”, but that he loves Joss, accepting evil with good.
Speaking about Carpenter, Brendon expressed his love and support for her, saying, “I know this story. It is not a kind story.” He then seemed to be moved, stating, “I know my relationship with Joss, and there are many … very kind. But also many do not …”
20th Century Fox Collection / courtesy Everett
This is perhaps the longest statement any of the cast members has made besides Carpenter, and marks Brendon as the only co-actor who suggests that he has also experienced or witnessed the abuse. However, Brendon said he is not ready to release an official statement yet.
Actors who played minor roles in Buffy and Angel (like Julie Benz, Tom Lenk, Adam Busch, Amy Acker and Danny Strong), also expressed their support. Jeff Mariotte, writer for Buffy novels and comics, released a long statement condemning Whedon’s actions.
I absolutely believe everything that Charisma says. It matches everything I’ve seen and heard about Joss over the years. He pretends to be a feminist and can pretend for a while. But when the spotlight is off, the truth comes out. 4 /
Joss himself did not respond to the charges either. We will update it if it does.
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