More Former “Buffy” Cast Members Speak Out Against Joss Whedon’s Alleged On-Set Bullying (As Others Stay Tight-Lipped)
“Tight-lipped” is probably how Joss Whedon wished everyone who spent any time on the Buffy The Vampire Slayer set chose to operate their lips. Because many people have been coming forward with their own stories about him, after getting inspired by Charisma Carpenter’s brave choice to confirm what Ray Fisher, Gal Gadot, and Joss’s own ex-wife have been telling us for years. Which is that the only thing more splintery, damaging, and hard to handle than Joss Whedon’s out of control ego, was the wooden vampire stakes from the prop department. More have come to Charisma’s defense. But there are still some who have yet to add their thoughts.
So far, we’ve heard from Charisma – who starred on Buffy, then on the spin-off Angel, who has accused Joss of being “casually cruel” on set, pitting people against each other, harassing her, and having her fired when she got pregnant. Then Sarah Michelle Gellar, the titular Buffy, chimed in saying she loved being associated with the show, but that she didn’t want to be associated with Joss Whedon, and adding that she stands with survivors of abuse and is proud of them for speaking up. Michelle Trachtenberg (aka Dawn Summers) came forward to allege that Joss wasn’t allowed to be alone in the same room as her. Amber Benson (Tara) co-signed Charisma’s thoughts, calling Buffy a “toxic environment,” while Eliza Dushku (Faith) supported Charisma’s claims. Here’s who we’re adding to that list! James Marsters, who played vampire Spike, says he’s “horrified” to learn that some of his co-stars had a shitty time on set, which he describes as being challenging, and that he doesn’t support abuse of any kind.
While I will always be honored to have played the character of Spike, the Buffy set was not without challenges. I do not support abuse of any kind, and am heartbroken to learn of the experiences of some of the cast. I send my love and support to all involved.
— James Marsters (@JamesMarstersOf) February 12, 2021
Anthony Stewart Head, who played Rupert Giles, told Metro UK he was gutted by everyone’s stories because he didn’t know anything toxic or harmful was going on. Marti Noxon, who wrote several episodes and served as an executive producer, hopped on Twitter to “validate” what the women of Buffy had been saying about Joss:
I would like to validate what the women of Buffy are saying
and support them in telling their story. They deserve to be heard.I understand where @AllCharisma, Amber, Michelle and all
the women who have spoken out are coming from.Kater Gordon and I 1/2
— NOX NOX WHO’S WEARING A MASK? (@martinoxon) February 12, 2021
Speaking of writers, we’re hearing from writer Jose Molina, who didn’t write for Buffy, but did write for Joss’ short-lived post-Buffy cult TV hit Firefly. And guess what, apparently Joss was an asshole over there too.
"Casually cruel" is a perfect way of describing Joss. He thought being mean was funny. Making female writers cry during a notes session was especially hysterical. He actually liked to boast about the time he made one writer cry twice in one meeting. #IStandWithCharismaCarpenter https://t.co/SgPF1rgRby
— Jose Molina (@JoseMolinaTV) February 13, 2021
As for those who haven’t wanted to join in. You’ll be waiting a while for a statement from Nicholas Brendon (aka Xander), but not because he doesn’t have shit to say. He does, he just claims he doesn’t have the right words at the moment, and that it’s hard because he was friends with Joss Whedon. And also, because he’s recovering from surgery and that’s kind of his priority at the moment. via Metro:
“It’s a big part of my life, a very emotional part of my life and I want to give it the proper respect and time that it deserves. When things happen like this with social media and stuff, it’s hard for me. It makes me sick. It’s not just something I want to make a comment on, do you know what I mean? If you don’t mind, I’m going to get some spinal surgery tomorrow and heal and come up with a statement that represents me.”
Many asked why David Boreanaz, aka Angel, was so quiet, especially since Charisma was his co-star on Buffy and Angel, and a lot of Charisma’s crappier experiences with Joss took place while filming Angel. David stayed as quiet as he could, but then finally had something to say four days after Charisma posted about her alleged experience. Charisma then let everyone know David wasn’t actually dragging his feet on saying something, as he had allegedly been supporting her behind the scenes as well.
I know you’re there for me, David. I appreciate all you’ve done to demonstrate that support privately as well. Especially since Wednesday. -Thank you so much. ♥️
— charisma carpenter (@AllCharisma) February 15, 2021
So that leaves Alyson Hannigan and Seth Green who both have yet to comment. I don’t know about Seth, but many have been asking Alyson for her thoughts since she played Willow through the whole series. Maybe she’s worried about burning a bridge or something. But she could always do it in a subtle, not-incriminating way. For example, she could tweet about a pale, bald demon who terrorized the kids from Buffy, before adding: “Oh wait, am I referring to The Gentlemen? Who is to say.”
Pic: The WB