Actor David Boreanaz, who played Angel in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, is the latest cast member to express support for former castmate Charisma Carpenter, who alleged misconduct by series producer Joss Whedon.
Carpenter, known for her key role as Buffy’s nemesis in high school, Cordelia Chase, accused Whedon of creating a hostile environment on the set, which she claimed to include retaliatory behavior and harassment during her pregnancy.
“Joss Whedon has abused his power on several occasions while working together on the sets of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Angel'”, wrote Carpenter last Wednesday on a Twitter topic. “The disturbing incidents have 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. “
On Sunday, Boreanaz wrote a reply to Carpenter’s tweet: “I’m here to hear and support you. Proud of your strength. ”
“I know you are here for me, David,” replied the carpenter. “I appreciate everything you did to demonstrate that particular support as well.”
Carpenter initially shared his story in solidarity with actor Ray Fisher, who previously accused Whedon of “gross and abusive” behavior on the set of the 2017 superhero movie “Justice League”, in which he played the character Cyborg from the Extended Universe. from DC.
Carpenter also said he participated in WarnerMedia’s internal investigation into Whedon, as well as “Justice League” producers Geoff Johns and Jon Berg, which has now been completed.
Johns was former president and chief creative officer for DC Entertainment, while Berg was former Warner Bros. ‘production co-resident. Both ended these roles while the company reevaluated its approach to DC films after the release of “Justice League”.
Warner Bros., which competed in its investigation in December, declined to comment beyond an earlier statement.
“The investigation was conducted by an outside law firm and led by a former federal judge,” said the studio. “More than 80 people were interviewed. We have full confidence in its effectiveness and integrity, and corrective measures have been taken. “
A Whedon representative declined to comment.
Warner Bros. it does not own any of Whedon’s TV series, which aired in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “Buffy” and “Angel” belonged and were distributed by 20th Century Fox Television, now Disney.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the lead role in “Buffy,” responded to the allegations on her Instagram page, writing: “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. ”
Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Dawn Summers on the series, followed up with her own statement against Whedon: “There was a rule. Saying. He can’t be alone with Michelle again, ”she wrote in the caption of an Instagram post. Former costar Amber Benson joined the conversation, stating: “Buffy was a toxic environment and starts at the top”.
On Saturday, Adam Busch, Tom Lenk and Danny Strong, who played all the villains in the sixth season of “Buffy”, joined the ranks of supporters on Twitter. “I support Charisma, Sarah, Amber & Michelle,” wrote Busch. “I admire your courage and leadership. The truth is powerful and prevails. “
Times editors Christi Carras and Nardine Saad contributed to this report.