David Boreanaz offered a promise of public support for Charisma Carpenter, just days after his former colleague detailed the “toxic” and “hostile” abuse she allegedly suffered under Buffyverse author Joss Whedon.
Although Carpenter – who played Cordelia Chase in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and your spinoff Angel – alluded to her experiences with Whedon in the past, on February 10 the actress posted an 830-word missive on social media, elaborating her statements and recalling Whedon’s “story of being casually cruel”, her creation of “hostile and toxic environments of work, ”which Angel the showrunner reportedly said and did with her during her pregnancy in real life, and how she handled everything, “sometimes in a destructive way”.
“I am here to hear and support you,” said Boreanaz in Twitter. “Proud of your strength.”
Soon after, Carpenter replied: “I know you are here for me, David. I appreciate everything you did to demonstrate this support in particular. Especially since Wednesday, ”she wrote. “Thank you very much.”
Partner Angel veterinarian Amy Acker also released a statement on Twitter, who read: “I will always be proud of the work we all did Angel. Although I personally had a good and professional experience, it is moving to know that not everyone did. I do not tolerate any action that has made someone feel hurt or uncomfortable, and I offer love and support to everyone who speaks their truth frankly. “
Carpenter went public with his allegations of abuse partially in support of actor Ray Fisher. Fisher, who played Cyborg in the superhero movie Justice League, accused Whedon of, among other things, “rude, abusive, unprofessional and completely unacceptable” behavior when taking over Zack Snyder.
Carpenter’s statement, in part, says: “Joss Whedon has abused his power on several occasions while working on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Although he found his inappropriate conduct amusing, it only served to heighten my performance anxiety, weaken me and distance myself from my colleagues. The disturbing incidents triggered a chronic physical condition that I still suffer from. It is with a heavy and beating heart that I say that I faced in isolation and, sometimes, destructively. ”(Read his full statement here.)
In the wake of Carpenter’s post, fellow former Buffyverse students – including Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy), Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn), Amber Benson (Tara) and Eliza Dushku (Faith) – published their own comments in support of the former colleague cast.
“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. “I am with all survivors of abuse and I am proud of them for speaking.”
Shortly after Gellar made his statement, Trachtenberg again published his sister’s TV comments along with the following caption: “Thanks @sarahmgellar for saying this. I am brave now as a 35 year old woman…. To pass this on. Why. This should. Be known. Like a teenager. With your inappropriate behavior. ”Trachtenberg later edited the post to add,“ A lot. Inappropriate. So now. People know. What Joss. Did. The last. Comment I will make on that. Was. There was a rule. Saying. He cannot be alone with Michelle again. “