Last week, actor Charisma Carpenter revealed the abuse she faced at the hands of Joss Whedon on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.
Carpenter expertly played Cordelia Chase on the cult classic and its spinoff, before her character was pretty much run into the ground and eventually written off. Carpenter alleged this was due to her pregnancy.
Numerous Buffy costars, including Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy herself), Michelle Trachtenberg, Amber Benson, Eliza Dushku, and Emma Caulfield have voiced their support.
20thcentfox / ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection
Most statements were broad, but notably, Trachtenberg, who was a minor during her time playing Buffy’s little sister Dawn, alleged that Joss was not allowed to be in a room alone with her during filming. Alyson Hannigan (who played Willow) is the only Buffy lead who has not yet released a statement.
Previously, some cast members seemed to be keeping a little quiet — especially the male stars of the shows. In particular, David Boreanaz, who played Angel on Angel and Buffy, had yet to speak. However, this morning, he broke his silence.
@AllCharisma I am here for you to listen and support you. Proud of your strength♥️?
Twitter: @David_Boreanaz
While the response from Boreanaz was short and succinct, Carpenter responded to say he has also voiced his support privately.
@David_Boreanaz 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. ♥️
Other male stars have spoken out recently as well, including James Marsters, who played Spike, Buffy’s other main love interest (we don’t speak of Riley in this house). Marsters was also featured heavily on Angel.
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.
Twitter: @JamesMarstersOf
Marsters’ statement echoes Gellar’s — she also stated how proud she was of her character and legacy, but distanced herself from Joss.
Anthony Stewart Head, who played mentor Giles on Buffy, also spoke about the allegations last week, sharing his heartbreak over not having been aware of the abuse.
James Sorenson / 20th Century Fox / Courtesy Everett Collection
“I’m gutted,” he said, clarifying that he believed the victims and that just because he didn’t see it, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. “I was sort of like a father figure… I would hope that someone would come to me and say, ‘I’m struggling, I just had a horrible conversation.'”
Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander on Buffy, spoke about Joss in a Facebook Live video yesterday. He expressed both support for Carpenter and mixed feelings about the ordeal. While Brendon says he has love for Joss, he also experienced the director’s unkindness.
Kevin Winter / Getty Images
In the video from the hospital (where he’s awaiting spinal surgery), Brendon said he hopes that growth and healing comes from this, and that Joss can become a better person. He suggested that he’d seen and experienced “transgressions” himself, but that he loves Joss, taking the bad with the good.
Speaking about Carpenter, Brendon expressed his love and support for her, saying, “I know that story. It’s not a kind story.” He then appeared to become emotional, stating, “I know my relationship with Joss, and there are many…a lot of kindness. But also a lot of not…”
20th Century Fox / Courtesy Everett Collection
This is perhaps the most lengthy statement any of the cast members has made beyond Carpenter, and marks Brendon as the only male costar to suggest he too experienced or witnessed the abuse. However, Brendon has stated he isn’t ready to release an official statement yet.
Actors who played smaller roles on Buffy and Angel (such as Julie Benz, Tom Lenk, Adam Busch, Amy Acker, and Danny Strong), have also voiced their support. Jeff Mariotte, a writer for the Buffy novels and comics, released a lengthy statement condemning Whedon’s actions.
I absolutely believe everything Charisma says. It fits with everything I’ve seen and heard about Joss over the years. He pretends to be a feminist, and he can pull off the pretense for a while. But when the spotlight’s off, the truth emerges. 4/
Joss himself has also not responded to the allegations. We’ll update you if he does.
Michael Tullberg / Getty Images
BuzzFeed Daily
Keep up with the latest daily buzz with the BuzzFeed Daily newsletter!
