Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Amber Benson, known as Tara to Buffy fans, spoke out in support of Charisma Carpenter's claims of Joss Whedon's abusive behavior as a director.
Benson wrote on Twitter, "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."
Benson joined the cast of Buffy after actor Charisma Carpenter left the series to star in its spinoff Angel. The two stars weren't in scenes together on Buffy, leading readers to learn that Benson experienced her share of toxicity from Whedon in the two years she was a part of the hit supernatural series, portraying Tara, Willow's girlfriend and fellow witch.
Carpenter released a statement on social media against Whedon on Feb. 10, citing his "abuse of power on numerous occasions while working on the sets of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel." Her statement was used to also support actor Ray Fisher's recent racism allegations against the director on the set of 2017's Justice League. Carpenter said that Fisher's statement "gutted her" and inspired her to speak her truth on Whedon's "toxic" behavior.
Among many shared moments, Carpenter claimed that Whedon called her "fat" while she was four months pregnant onset of Angel, and often "pitted people against one another to compete and vie for his attention and approval." She also stated that he ignored her request to reduce her work hours while pregnant and fired her after she gave birth, telling her that she "sabotaged" the production by becoming pregnant.
Carpenter disclosed that she "participated in WarnerMedia's Justice League investigation." Carpenter wrote, "I believe Ray to be a person of integrity who is telling the truth. His firing as Cyborg in The Flash was the last straw for me. Although I am not shocked, I am deeply pained by it. It troubles and saddens me that in 2021 professionals STILL have to choose between whistleblowing in the workplace and job security."
The actor ended her statement with, "It has taken me so long to muster the courage to make this statement publicly. The gravity of it is not lost on me. As a single mother whose family's livelihood is dependent on my craft, I'm scared. Despite my fear about its impact on my future, I can no longer remain silent. This is overdue and necessary. It is time."
Source: Twitter