Stars from Buffy the Vampire Slayer are showing their support for co-star Charisma Carpenter who’s shared a statement accusing the show’s creator of misconduct and cruel behaviour.
In a post on Instagram, Charisma, who portrayed Cordelia Chase in the series and its spin off Angel, says Joss Whedon created “hostile and toxic work environments” and was “mean and biting, disparaging about others openly and often played favourites, pitting people against one another to compete and vie for his attention and approval.”
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She says he called her “fat” when she 4 months pregnant and that certain events she experienced under Whedon still “traumatise” her:
“While he found his misconduct amusing, it only served to intensify my performance anxiety, disempower me, and alienate me from my peers. The disturbing incidents triggered a chronic physical condition from which I still suffer. It is with a beating, heavy heart that I say I coped in isolation and, at times, destructively.”
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Among those showing their support for Charisma is Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar who posted a short message on Instagram:
“While I am proud to have my name associated with Buffy Summers, I don’t want to be forever associated with the name Joss Whedon. I am more focused on raising my family and surviving a pandemic currently so I will not be making any further statement at this time. But I stand with all survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out.”
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Michelle Trachtenberg who played Buffy’s little sister, Dawn, on the show reposted Gellar’s message and added:
“I am brave enough now as a 35 year old woman…to repost this. Because. This must. Be known. As a teenager. Not appropriate behaviour….very. Not. Appropriate.”
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Amber Benson who played Tara Maclay took to Twitter to show her support:
“Buffy was a toxic environment and it starts at the top. @AllCharisma is speaking truth and I support her 100%. There was a lot of damage done during that time and many of us are still processing it twenty plus years later.”
Buffy was a toxic environment and it starts at the top. @AllCharisma is speaking truth and I support her 100%. There was a lot of damage done during that time and many of us are still processing it twenty plus years later. #IStandWithRayFisher #IStandWithCharismaCarpenter https://t.co/WJAmDGm76C
— Amber Benson (@amber_benson) February 10, 2021
Clare Kramer who played Glory on the show also tweeted:
“For what it’s worth, I believe and stand with @AllCharisma, @ray8fisher, @amber_benson and others who have the strength to come forward with their truth. A lot of this industry needs a reset…..”
Ray Fisher who played Victor Stone or Cyborg in Justice League came out with his own accusations against Joss Whedon of “abusive, unprofessional” behaviour last year. He also shared his support for Charisma describing her on Twitter as “one of the bravest people” he knows.
“I am forever grateful for her courage and for her lending her voice to the Justice League investigation. Read her truth. Share her truth.”
Joss Whedon has not responded to Charisma’s statement at this time.
(Feature Image Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com)