Buffy Actresses Speak Out on Toxic Environment of Buffy/Angel Sets

As many of you will already have seen, yesterday Charisma Carpenter made a statement in support of Ray Fisher, accusing Joss Whedon of abusing his power and creating a “hostile and toxic work environment” during her time on both Buffy and Angel. Amber Benson was quick to back her up stating “Buffy was a toxic environment and it starts at the top.”

Both Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg followed up, Sarah issuing a statement disassociating herself from Joss but not from Buffy, while Michelle reposted this with her own observations accusing Joss of inappropriate behaviour while she was a teenager on the show, but not going into detail.

These allegations all follow Ray Fisher’s accusations last summer that Joss acted unprofessionally on the set of Justice League, which were backed up by Gal Gadot and Jason Momoa, and resulted in an investigation by Warner Brothers which appears to have lead to Joss standing down from The Nevers and Ray being sacked from the upcoming The Flash film.

Joss or his representatives have yet to come forward with any comment.

As a long time fan of Joss Whedon and all of his works, these mounting allegations of what appears to be historic and ongoing abusive and toxic behaviour, have left me incredibly shocked and saddened. I stand with all victims of abuse. I hear and commend the incredibly brave voices of all who have stood up and told their stories, and any others who may not feel they can come forward yet.

However, none of this can take away the importance of the shows and worlds he, together with the extraordinary cast and crew, have created. Buffy, in particular, has given empowerment, hope, inspiration, strength and comfort to so many. These shows remain important to me and to so many others.

I will be taking a short break from updating this site while I process this news and consider how and in what form the site can continue. Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse – they are all ingrained in me, they are a part of me and that will never change. I have spent the last 20+ years with these characters and in these worlds. My love for them remains and the site will continue.

In their comments on the matter, Wh*deonesque encouraged those who are able to do so to donate to Times Up Now and I do the same.

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Stay Shiny and Keep Flyin’

Cider

Author: Cider

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