Bruh......
I have had many discussions with a lot of people about this very topic.
Hollywood News: Joss Whedon Is a ‘Hypocrite Preaching Feminist Ideals,’ Ex-Wife Kai Cole Says UPDATE: Buffy cast agree
- Thread starter playahaitian
- Start date
I have had many discussions with a lot of people about this very topic.
‘Buffy’ Actress Charisma Carpenter Says Joss Whedon Was Abusive And Harassing On Set: “Joss Was The Vampire”
By Tom Tapp
Tom Tapp
February 10, 2021 9:57am
Former Buffy the Vampire and Angel star Charisma Carpenter accused those shows’ creator, Joss Whedon, of abusive and and harassing behavior on set. The actress says the incidents “triggered a chronic physical condition from which I still suffer.”
Carpenter claims the Buffy creator called her “fat” when she was 4 months pregnant, threatened to fire her and pitted people against each other for his approval.
One specific instance she cites is when, in a closed-door meeting after learning of her pregnancy, Carpenter says Whedon “asked me if I was ‘going to keep it.’” The actress says Whedon “proceeded to attack my character, mock my religious beliefs, accuse me of sabotaging the show, and the unceremoniously fired me the following season once I gave birth.”
RELATED STORY
UPDATE: WarnerMedia Defends Walter Hamada In Response To Ray Fisher Twitter Blast Over His 'Flash' Dismissal
After that meeting, Carpenter says she “felt powerless and alone” but, with a baby on the way, also felt she had no other option so she “swallowed the mistreatment and carried on.” That lack of empowerment, she claims, sucked the joy out of being a new mother. “And Joss was the vampire,” she says.
Carpenter says she was prompted by Justice League actor Ray Fisher’s allegations against Whedon, who directed that film.
Fisher has been at odds with Warner Bros. since last July, accusing Joss Whedon of abuse during the post-Zack Snyder reshoots of Justice League. A subsequent Warner Bros. investigation said unspecified “remedial action” was taken, and the investigation was concluded. No other details were revealed. Fisher was also dismissed from the studio’s upcoming Flash film.
Carpenter revealed in her Instagram post on Wednesday that she participated in the Warners investigation. Saying she believed Fisher and that his dismissal from The Flash was “the last straw for me.”
Deadline reached out to WarnerMedia and reps for Whedon but has not heard back.
By Tom Tapp
Tom Tapp
February 10, 2021 9:57am
Former Buffy the Vampire and Angel star Charisma Carpenter accused those shows’ creator, Joss Whedon, of abusive and and harassing behavior on set. The actress says the incidents “triggered a chronic physical condition from which I still suffer.”
Carpenter claims the Buffy creator called her “fat” when she was 4 months pregnant, threatened to fire her and pitted people against each other for his approval.
One specific instance she cites is when, in a closed-door meeting after learning of her pregnancy, Carpenter says Whedon “asked me if I was ‘going to keep it.’” The actress says Whedon “proceeded to attack my character, mock my religious beliefs, accuse me of sabotaging the show, and the unceremoniously fired me the following season once I gave birth.”
RELATED STORY
UPDATE: WarnerMedia Defends Walter Hamada In Response To Ray Fisher Twitter Blast Over His 'Flash' Dismissal
After that meeting, Carpenter says she “felt powerless and alone” but, with a baby on the way, also felt she had no other option so she “swallowed the mistreatment and carried on.” That lack of empowerment, she claims, sucked the joy out of being a new mother. “And Joss was the vampire,” she says.
Carpenter says she was prompted by Justice League actor Ray Fisher’s allegations against Whedon, who directed that film.
Fisher has been at odds with Warner Bros. since last July, accusing Joss Whedon of abuse during the post-Zack Snyder reshoots of Justice League. A subsequent Warner Bros. investigation said unspecified “remedial action” was taken, and the investigation was concluded. No other details were revealed. Fisher was also dismissed from the studio’s upcoming Flash film.
Carpenter revealed in her Instagram post on Wednesday that she participated in the Warners investigation. Saying she believed Fisher and that his dismissal from The Flash was “the last straw for me.”
Deadline reached out to WarnerMedia and reps for Whedon but has not heard back.
‘Buffy’ creator Joss Whedon misconduct allegations addressed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Trachtenberg
The two women starred in the TV series, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which was created by Whedon.
‘Buffy’ creator Joss Whedon misconduct allegations addressed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Trachtenberg
The director/producer has been accused of workplace misconduct again
By Jessica Napoli | Fox News
Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for February 10
Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. Check out what's clicking today in entertainment.
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg have reacted to the new misconduct allegations made against "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" creator Joss Whedon.
The actresses released statements on social media putting distance between themselves and the embattled director/producer/writer.
"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," Gellar, 43, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday. "I am more focused on raising my family and surviving a pandemic currently so I will not be making any further statements. At this time, but I stand with all survivors of abuse and I’m proud of them for speaking out."
Trachtenberg wrote on Instagram, "Thank you @sarahmgellar for saying this. I am brave enough now as a 35-year-old woman....To repost this. Because. This must. Be known. As a teenager. With his not appropriate behavior....very. Not. Appropriate."
'ANGEL' ACTRESS CHARISMA CARPENTER ACCUSES JOSS WHEDON OF MISCONDUCT, ATTACKING HER 'WOMANHOOD AND FAITH'
Earlier on Wednesday, "Buffy" and "Angel" actress Charisma Carpenter spoke out against Whedon, 56, and alleged he behaved unprofessionally on-set.
Carpenter, 50, took to Twitter to share a lengthy note detailing her negative experience with Whedon on "Buffy" and "Angel" with the hashtag "#IStandWithRayFisher" referencing the "Justice League" star who claimed back in June that Whedon's on-set treatment of the cast and crew members was "gross, abusive, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable."
"For nearly two decades, I have held my tongue and even made excuses for certain events that traumatized me to this day," the actress began her two-page note. "Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working together on sets of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. 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."
'JUSTICE LEAGUE' STAR RAY FISHER CLAIMS DIRECTOR JOSS WHEDON WAS 'ABUSIVE, UNPROFESSIONAL' ON SET
The star explained she felt empowered to come out with her story following Fisher’s drama with the film and TV maker, noting that she recognized his pattern of "casually cruel" behavior and fostering of "toxic work environments."
Sarah Michelle Gellar (L) and Michelle Trachtenberg (R) expressed their support for the victims of Whedon's alleged unprofessional behavior and misconduct. (Getty)
She accused the director of berating her over a rosary tattoo she got to "feel more spiritually grounded" as well as offhandedly threatening to fire her several times and calling her "fat" when she was four months pregnant and weighed 126 lbs.
Representatives for Whedon had no comment when reached by Fox News.
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The star concluded her note by standing in solidarity with Fisher, whose whistleblowing efforts on "Justice League" led to WarnerMedia conducting a third-party investigation about Fisher’s claims. Carpenter noted that she participated in that investigation.
Charisma Carpenter detailed allegations of workplace misconduct against Joss Whedon. ((Getty Images/AP, File))
"Recently, I participated In Warner Media’s Justice League investigation because 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," she said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In December, WarnerMedia announced that it had concluded its investigation and noted that "remedial action" was taken. However, it would not elaborate on what that action was.
I still dont get what he did lol
all shit vague as fuck
was a racist
was he sexually assaulting/harassing
seems like typical white powerful asshole shit
if this warrants ppl coming out the woodwork 20 years later I guess alot of this old white dudes in trouble...oh well
What exactly did he do to Ray Fisher?
but this isn't exactly new or unique
there had been mad whispers about Joss for AWHILE
and then that divorce brought EVERYTHING out
don't forget Cyborg.... he AIRED HIM OUT TOO
I agree for the cast of Buffy the ENTIRE cast to be completely on MUTE for damn near 20 years?
and NOW to open up?
but again...
Its not like Joss wasn't a MAJOR POWER PLAYER out on these Hollywood streets.
I am a Joss FAN real talk PERIOD
but I aint ABOUT to cape for no old white dude
like I'm SURPRISED or that these women didn't have GOOD REASON to keep their collective mouths shut all this time.
Michelle Trachtenberg: Joss Whedon couldn’t be alone with me on ‘Buffy’ set
By Rob Bailey-Millado
February 12, 2021 | 8:20am | Updated
Michelle Trachtenberg elaborated Thursday on bombshell claims earlier this week that her “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” boss engaged in abusive behavior on his “toxic” set.
The actress made the cryptic new allegations against show creator Joss Whedon, 56, in an updated Instagram post: “The last. Comment I will make on this. Was. There was a rule. Saying. He’s not allowed in a room alone with Michelle again,” the 35-year-old wrote.
Trachtenberg was 15 when she assumed the role of Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s “Buffy,” which she played from 2000 to 2003. She didn’t go into explicit detail about what led to the alleged rule — or who put it in place.
Trachtenberg’s allegations against “The Avengers” director come after Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase on “Buffy,” posted claims of Whedon’s alleged “toxic” and “hostile” behavior onset. She also claimed he called her “fat” in a one-on-one meeting when she was pregnant.
“Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working on the sets of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel,” Carpenter, 50, wrote. “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.”
https://nypost.com/2021/02/12/eliza-dushku-on-joss-whedon-backs-powerful-abuse-claims/
Trachtenberg, who also appeared on the CW’s “Gossip Girl,” first came forward after Gellar, 43, responded to Carpenter’s viral post in a statement on Instagram siding with “survivors of abuse.”
“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,” Gellar posted. “… I stand with all survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out.”
Trachtenberg first responded to Gellar on Wednesday, writing: “Thank you @sarahmgellar for saying this. I am brave enough now as a 35 year old woman … To repost this. Because. This must. Be known. As a teenager. With his not appropriate behavior … very. Not. Appropriate.”
Reps for Whedon — who “parted ways” with HBO’s “The Nevers” in November — have not responded to The Post’s requests for comment.
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg claims there was a “rule” that show creator Joss Whedon couldn’t be alone with her on the “Buffy” set.AP
The industry wunderkind weathered his first wave of negative press and soured social media buzz after his ex-wife, architect Kai Cole, accused him of cheating in a scathing online essay in 2017.
Cole accused the director of “multiple affairs” over their 15-year marriage — and claimed that the first of those alleged dalliances was on the set of “Buffy.”
“He hid multiple affairs and a number of inappropriate emotional ones that he had with his actresses, co-workers, fans and friends, while he stayed married to me,” Cole wrote.
“He deceived me for 15 years so he could have everything he wanted. I believed, everyone believed, that he was one of the good guys, committed to fighting for women’s rights, committed to our marriage, and to the women he worked with.”
A thriving Whedon fan site shut down after 15 years amid Cole’s alarming claims, including her statement that “I now see how he used his relationship with me as a shield, both during and after our marriage, so no one would question his relationships with other women or scrutinize his writing as anything other than feminist.”
Whedon and Cole met in 1991 and married in 1995, a year before production began on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” a seminal TV show centered on a strong female hero that has often been hailed as a defining feminist series.
By Rob Bailey-Millado
February 12, 2021 | 8:20am | Updated
Michelle Trachtenberg elaborated Thursday on bombshell claims earlier this week that her “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” boss engaged in abusive behavior on his “toxic” set.
The actress made the cryptic new allegations against show creator Joss Whedon, 56, in an updated Instagram post: “The last. Comment I will make on this. Was. There was a rule. Saying. He’s not allowed in a room alone with Michelle again,” the 35-year-old wrote.
Trachtenberg was 15 when she assumed the role of Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s “Buffy,” which she played from 2000 to 2003. She didn’t go into explicit detail about what led to the alleged rule — or who put it in place.
Trachtenberg’s allegations against “The Avengers” director come after Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase on “Buffy,” posted claims of Whedon’s alleged “toxic” and “hostile” behavior onset. She also claimed he called her “fat” in a one-on-one meeting when she was pregnant.
“Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working on the sets of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel,” Carpenter, 50, wrote. “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.”
https://nypost.com/2021/02/12/eliza-dushku-on-joss-whedon-backs-powerful-abuse-claims/
Trachtenberg, who also appeared on the CW’s “Gossip Girl,” first came forward after Gellar, 43, responded to Carpenter’s viral post in a statement on Instagram siding with “survivors of abuse.”
“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,” Gellar posted. “… I stand with all survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out.”
Trachtenberg first responded to Gellar on Wednesday, writing: “Thank you @sarahmgellar for saying this. I am brave enough now as a 35 year old woman … To repost this. Because. This must. Be known. As a teenager. With his not appropriate behavior … very. Not. Appropriate.”
Reps for Whedon — who “parted ways” with HBO’s “The Nevers” in November — have not responded to The Post’s requests for comment.
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg claims there was a “rule” that show creator Joss Whedon couldn’t be alone with her on the “Buffy” set.AP
The industry wunderkind weathered his first wave of negative press and soured social media buzz after his ex-wife, architect Kai Cole, accused him of cheating in a scathing online essay in 2017.
Cole accused the director of “multiple affairs” over their 15-year marriage — and claimed that the first of those alleged dalliances was on the set of “Buffy.”
“He hid multiple affairs and a number of inappropriate emotional ones that he had with his actresses, co-workers, fans and friends, while he stayed married to me,” Cole wrote.
“He deceived me for 15 years so he could have everything he wanted. I believed, everyone believed, that he was one of the good guys, committed to fighting for women’s rights, committed to our marriage, and to the women he worked with.”
A thriving Whedon fan site shut down after 15 years amid Cole’s alarming claims, including her statement that “I now see how he used his relationship with me as a shield, both during and after our marriage, so no one would question his relationships with other women or scrutinize his writing as anything other than feminist.”
Whedon and Cole met in 1991 and married in 1995, a year before production began on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” a seminal TV show centered on a strong female hero that has often been hailed as a defining feminist series.
Eliza Dushku backs ‘powerful’ abuse claims against ‘Buffy’ boss Joss Whedon
By Rob Bailey-Millado
February 12, 2021 | 11:11am | Updated
Charisma Carpenter has another high-profile co-star in her corner.
“Bring It On” star Eliza Dushku is the latest “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alum to voice her support for Carpenter, 50, who alleged on Wednesday that “Buffy” creator, Joss Whedon, 56, “abused his power” and fostered an “increasingly volatile work environment.”
“CC, my heart aches for you and I’m so sorry you have held this for so long,” Dushku, who is no stranger to workplace harassment battles, wrote on Instagram. “Your post was powerful, painful, and painted a picture we’ll collectively never un-see or un-know.”
Dushku played rogue vampire slayer Faith opposite Carpenter’s Cordelia Chase on both “Buffy” and its spinoff, “Angel.” She joins an increasing list of “Buffy” vets — including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Trachtenberg, Amber Benson and Emma Caulfield — to voice support on social media, telling Carpenter: “I admire, respect, and love you.”
Eliza Dushku and “Buffy” creator Joss Whedon. The actress is supporting “painful” claims made by co-star Charisma Carpenter.Getty Images
The 40-year-old “Tru Calling” and “Dollhouse” actress has previously experienced toxic workplaces. In 2018, Dushku alleged that “True Lies” stunt coordinator Joel Kramer sexually abused her when she was 12 years old.
Then came the bombshell report that same year revealing Dushku was secretly paid $9.5 million by CBS in 2018 for claims she was retaliated against and written off “Bull” after complaining about alleged sexual harassment by lead Michael Weatherly on set.
https://nypost.com/2021/02/12/michelle-trachtenberg-joss-whedon-couldnt-be-alone-with-me/
“I frequently think of the saying, ‘we are as sick as our secrets,'” Dushku continued in her post. “Our secrets indeed make and keep us sick. What I’m learning more and more — and have personally found most valuable — is that profound healing can only come from naming and disclosing what actually happened, the necessary first step (once someone’s ready) to freeing ourselves from our secrets, untold truths which have kept us isolated, ashamed, and held hostage.”
Carpenter cited Ray Fisher’s unceremonious firing as Cyborg from the forthcoming “The Flash” flick as the catalyst for her coming out against Whedon. The “Justice League” actor had accused his director of being “gross, abusive, unprofessional and completely unacceptable” to him and others on the set of the Warner Bros. superhero film. The 33-year-old actor retweeted Carpenter’s emotional post and called her “one of the bravest people I know.”
Carpenter and Fisher’s claims add to Trachtenberg’s allegations of “not appropriate behavior” by Whedon toward the then-teenager on the set of “Buffy,” and that “there was a rule saying he’s not allowed in a room alone” with her again.
Reps for Whedon — who “parted ways” with HBO’s “The Nevers” in November — have not responded to The Post’s requests for comment.
By Rob Bailey-Millado
February 12, 2021 | 11:11am | Updated
Charisma Carpenter has another high-profile co-star in her corner.
“Bring It On” star Eliza Dushku is the latest “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alum to voice her support for Carpenter, 50, who alleged on Wednesday that “Buffy” creator, Joss Whedon, 56, “abused his power” and fostered an “increasingly volatile work environment.”
“CC, my heart aches for you and I’m so sorry you have held this for so long,” Dushku, who is no stranger to workplace harassment battles, wrote on Instagram. “Your post was powerful, painful, and painted a picture we’ll collectively never un-see or un-know.”
Dushku played rogue vampire slayer Faith opposite Carpenter’s Cordelia Chase on both “Buffy” and its spinoff, “Angel.” She joins an increasing list of “Buffy” vets — including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Trachtenberg, Amber Benson and Emma Caulfield — to voice support on social media, telling Carpenter: “I admire, respect, and love you.”
Eliza Dushku and “Buffy” creator Joss Whedon. The actress is supporting “painful” claims made by co-star Charisma Carpenter.Getty Images
The 40-year-old “Tru Calling” and “Dollhouse” actress has previously experienced toxic workplaces. In 2018, Dushku alleged that “True Lies” stunt coordinator Joel Kramer sexually abused her when she was 12 years old.
Then came the bombshell report that same year revealing Dushku was secretly paid $9.5 million by CBS in 2018 for claims she was retaliated against and written off “Bull” after complaining about alleged sexual harassment by lead Michael Weatherly on set.
https://nypost.com/2021/02/12/michelle-trachtenberg-joss-whedon-couldnt-be-alone-with-me/
“I frequently think of the saying, ‘we are as sick as our secrets,'” Dushku continued in her post. “Our secrets indeed make and keep us sick. What I’m learning more and more — and have personally found most valuable — is that profound healing can only come from naming and disclosing what actually happened, the necessary first step (once someone’s ready) to freeing ourselves from our secrets, untold truths which have kept us isolated, ashamed, and held hostage.”
Carpenter cited Ray Fisher’s unceremonious firing as Cyborg from the forthcoming “The Flash” flick as the catalyst for her coming out against Whedon. The “Justice League” actor had accused his director of being “gross, abusive, unprofessional and completely unacceptable” to him and others on the set of the Warner Bros. superhero film. The 33-year-old actor retweeted Carpenter’s emotional post and called her “one of the bravest people I know.”
Carpenter and Fisher’s claims add to Trachtenberg’s allegations of “not appropriate behavior” by Whedon toward the then-teenager on the set of “Buffy,” and that “there was a rule saying he’s not allowed in a room alone” with her again.
Reps for Whedon — who “parted ways” with HBO’s “The Nevers” in November — have not responded to The Post’s requests for comment.
Buffy and Angel stars speak out in support of Charisma Carpenter's claims against Joss Whedon
See what Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Eliza Dushku had to say about allegations that Whedon fostered a toxic work environment.
By Ruth Kinane
February 12, 2021 at 07:55 PM EST
The stars of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel are speaking out in support of Charisma Carpenter, who on Wednesday accused the shows' creator, Joss Whedon, of fostering a "hostile and toxic" work environment on both sets.
In a lengthy statement posted to Twitter, the actress detailed how Whedon allegedly mistreated her during her time on both shows. Carpenter wrote that after nearly two decades of staying quiet and making excuses for "traumatizing" events, she finally mustered the courage to call out Whedon for abusing his power on numerous occasions.
Following Carpenter's allegations — which included claims that Whedon continuously made passive-aggressive threats to fire her, called her fat when she was four months pregnant, pitted cast members against one another, and "unceremoniously" fired her after accusing her of sabotaging the show — several of her Buffy and Angel castmates shared their thoughts on the situation and messages of support. See what they had to say below.
CREDIT: RODIN ECKENROTH/WIREIMAGE; NEILSON BARNARD/GETTY IMAGES; AMANDA EDWARDS/WIREIMAGE
Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy)
"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," Gellar, who played the title role on Buffy, wrote Feb. 10 on Instagram. "I am more focused on raising my family and surviving a pandemic currently so I will not be making any further statements. I stand with all survivors of abuse and I'm proud of them for speaking out."
James Marsters (Spike)
"While I will always be honored to have played the character of Spike, the Buffy set was not without challenges," Marsters wrote Feb. 12 on Instagram. "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."
Eliza Dushku (Faith)
"CC, my heart aches for you and I'm so sorry you have held this for so long," Dushku said in a statement posted to Instagram on Feb. 11. "Your post was powerful, painful, and painted a picture we'll collectively never un-see or un-know/ Thank you. I hadn't known it and I won't forget it. I frequently think of the saying, 'We are as sick as our secrets.' Our secrets indeed make and keep us sick."
"What I'm learning more and more — and have personally found most valuable — is that profound healing can only come from naming and disclosing what actually happened, the necessary first step (once someone's ready) to freeing ourselves from our secrets, untold truths which have kept us isolated, ashamed, and held hostage," she continued. Dushku also thanked Carpenter for her "courage" in speaking up, writing: "From courage, come change and hope. It starts and will end because of courageous truth-tellers like you. I admire, respect, and love you."
Anthony Head (Giles)
During an interview with U.K. broadcaster ITV's This Morning on Feb. 11, Head said he'd had no idea any kind of abuse was taking place. "I've been up most of the night just running through my memories thinking, 'What did I miss?'" he said. "And this is not a man saying, 'I didn't see it, so it didn't happen.' It's just, I am gutted, I'm seriously gutted, because one of my memories, my fondest memories of Buffy, was the fact that it was so empowering, not just in the words of the script, but the family feel of the show.
"I'm really sad if people went through these experiences that they didn't — I was a sort of like a father figure and I would hope that someone would come to me and say, 'I'm struggling,' or, 'I just had a horrible conversation,'" he continued. "Admittedly the first post by Charisma was when she was working on Angel and I was long gone, but there are other posts subsequently that are making me think, 'How on earth did I not know this was going on?'"
Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn)
"Thank you @sarahmgellar for saying this," Trachtenberg wrote Feb. 10 on Instagram, reposting Gellar's original statement. "I am brave enough now as a 35 year old woman.... To repost this. Because. This must. Be known. As a teenager. With his not appropriate behavior......" She then commented on her own photo: "You. Are my rock!! What he did was very bad. But we win. By surviving!"
She later commented on her own post, saying: "The last. Comment I will make on this. Was. There was a rule. Saying. He's not allowed in a room alone with Michelle again." Trachtenberg did not provide further detail.
Amber Benson (Tara)
"Buffy was a toxic environment, and it starts at the top," Benson tweeted Feb. 10, shortly after Carpenter's statement went live. "@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."
Jose Molina (Firefly writer)
Jose Molina, who was a writer on Whedon's short-lived sci-fi show Firefly, also spoke out on Twitter about the creator's alleged abusive conduct.
"'Casually cruel' is a perfect way of describing Joss," Molina wrote on Feb. 12. "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."
A representative for Whedon did not respond to EW's request for comment about Carpenter's allegations.
ew.com
See what Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Eliza Dushku had to say about allegations that Whedon fostered a toxic work environment.
By Ruth Kinane
February 12, 2021 at 07:55 PM EST
The stars of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel are speaking out in support of Charisma Carpenter, who on Wednesday accused the shows' creator, Joss Whedon, of fostering a "hostile and toxic" work environment on both sets.
In a lengthy statement posted to Twitter, the actress detailed how Whedon allegedly mistreated her during her time on both shows. Carpenter wrote that after nearly two decades of staying quiet and making excuses for "traumatizing" events, she finally mustered the courage to call out Whedon for abusing his power on numerous occasions.
Following Carpenter's allegations — which included claims that Whedon continuously made passive-aggressive threats to fire her, called her fat when she was four months pregnant, pitted cast members against one another, and "unceremoniously" fired her after accusing her of sabotaging the show — several of her Buffy and Angel castmates shared their thoughts on the situation and messages of support. See what they had to say below.
CREDIT: RODIN ECKENROTH/WIREIMAGE; NEILSON BARNARD/GETTY IMAGES; AMANDA EDWARDS/WIREIMAGE
Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy)
"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," Gellar, who played the title role on Buffy, wrote Feb. 10 on Instagram. "I am more focused on raising my family and surviving a pandemic currently so I will not be making any further statements. I stand with all survivors of abuse and I'm proud of them for speaking out."
James Marsters (Spike)
"While I will always be honored to have played the character of Spike, the Buffy set was not without challenges," Marsters wrote Feb. 12 on Instagram. "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."
Eliza Dushku (Faith)
"CC, my heart aches for you and I'm so sorry you have held this for so long," Dushku said in a statement posted to Instagram on Feb. 11. "Your post was powerful, painful, and painted a picture we'll collectively never un-see or un-know/ Thank you. I hadn't known it and I won't forget it. I frequently think of the saying, 'We are as sick as our secrets.' Our secrets indeed make and keep us sick."
"What I'm learning more and more — and have personally found most valuable — is that profound healing can only come from naming and disclosing what actually happened, the necessary first step (once someone's ready) to freeing ourselves from our secrets, untold truths which have kept us isolated, ashamed, and held hostage," she continued. Dushku also thanked Carpenter for her "courage" in speaking up, writing: "From courage, come change and hope. It starts and will end because of courageous truth-tellers like you. I admire, respect, and love you."
Anthony Head (Giles)
During an interview with U.K. broadcaster ITV's This Morning on Feb. 11, Head said he'd had no idea any kind of abuse was taking place. "I've been up most of the night just running through my memories thinking, 'What did I miss?'" he said. "And this is not a man saying, 'I didn't see it, so it didn't happen.' It's just, I am gutted, I'm seriously gutted, because one of my memories, my fondest memories of Buffy, was the fact that it was so empowering, not just in the words of the script, but the family feel of the show.
"I'm really sad if people went through these experiences that they didn't — I was a sort of like a father figure and I would hope that someone would come to me and say, 'I'm struggling,' or, 'I just had a horrible conversation,'" he continued. "Admittedly the first post by Charisma was when she was working on Angel and I was long gone, but there are other posts subsequently that are making me think, 'How on earth did I not know this was going on?'"
Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn)
"Thank you @sarahmgellar for saying this," Trachtenberg wrote Feb. 10 on Instagram, reposting Gellar's original statement. "I am brave enough now as a 35 year old woman.... To repost this. Because. This must. Be known. As a teenager. With his not appropriate behavior......" She then commented on her own photo: "You. Are my rock!! What he did was very bad. But we win. By surviving!"
She later commented on her own post, saying: "The last. Comment I will make on this. Was. There was a rule. Saying. He's not allowed in a room alone with Michelle again." Trachtenberg did not provide further detail.
Amber Benson (Tara)
"Buffy was a toxic environment, and it starts at the top," Benson tweeted Feb. 10, shortly after Carpenter's statement went live. "@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."
Jose Molina (Firefly writer)
Jose Molina, who was a writer on Whedon's short-lived sci-fi show Firefly, also spoke out on Twitter about the creator's alleged abusive conduct.
"'Casually cruel' is a perfect way of describing Joss," Molina wrote on Feb. 12. "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."
A representative for Whedon did not respond to EW's request for comment about Carpenter's allegations.
'Buffy' and 'Angel' stars speak out in support of Charisma Carpenter's claims against Joss Whedon
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Trachtenberg, Eliza Dushku, and more 'Buffy' and 'Angel' stars have addressed allegations that Joss Whedon fostered a toxic work environment.
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star Alyson Hannigan definitively ends the Angel vs. Spike debate
Former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Alyson Hannigan weighed in on the fan-favorite Angel vs. Spike topic on Twitter.
‘Buffy’ Alum David Boreanaz Pledges Support For Charisma Carpenter Amid Joss Whedon Abuse Claims
By Denise Petski
Denise Petski
Senior Managing Editor
February 15, 2021 8:41am
David Boreanaz is the latest to speak out in support of his former Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Charisma Carpenter, following her allegations of abuse and “misconduct” by Joss Whedon on the supernatural series.
Boreanaz weighed in after Carpenter said last week that she supported actor Ray Fisher, who had accused of Whedon being “gross, abusive, unprofessional and completely unacceptable” to him and others on the set of Warner Bros’ Justice League film.
Boreanaz starred in the leading role of Angel in Buffy from 1997-2003 and the spin-off Angel from 1999-2004.
In her post last week, Carpenter shared her own story of alleged misconduct by Whedon, who she said had called her fat when was pregnant, and asked her if she planned to keep her child during a private meeting.
Whedon “proceeded to attack my character, mock my religious beliefs, accuse me of sabotaging the show, and then unceremoniously fired me the following season once I gave birth,” Carpenter wrote.
Carpenter said that Whedon ‘has a history of being casually cruel’ and misused his power in manipulating people on the set of the TV show.
Reps for Whedon have not commented on the accusations by Carpenter or Buffy alumna Michelle Trachtenberg.
By Denise Petski
Denise Petski
Senior Managing Editor
February 15, 2021 8:41am
David Boreanaz is the latest to speak out in support of his former Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Charisma Carpenter, following her allegations of abuse and “misconduct” by Joss Whedon on the supernatural series.
“I am here for you to listen and support you,” Boreanaz tweeted on Sunday. “Proud of your strength.”
Carpenter replied: “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.”
Carpenter replied: “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.”
Boreanaz weighed in after Carpenter said last week that she supported actor Ray Fisher, who had accused of Whedon being “gross, abusive, unprofessional and completely unacceptable” to him and others on the set of Warner Bros’ Justice League film.
Boreanaz starred in the leading role of Angel in Buffy from 1997-2003 and the spin-off Angel from 1999-2004.
In her post last week, Carpenter shared her own story of alleged misconduct by Whedon, who she said had called her fat when was pregnant, and asked her if she planned to keep her child during a private meeting.
Whedon “proceeded to attack my character, mock my religious beliefs, accuse me of sabotaging the show, and then unceremoniously fired me the following season once I gave birth,” Carpenter wrote.
Carpenter said that Whedon ‘has a history of being casually cruel’ and misused his power in manipulating people on the set of the TV show.
Reps for Whedon have not commented on the accusations by Carpenter or Buffy alumna Michelle Trachtenberg.
Last edited:
Boreanaz’s fellow Angel alum Amy Acker also weighed in Monday on Twitter: “I will always be proud of the work we all did on Angel. While I personally had a good and professional experience, it is heartbreaking to hear that not everyone did. I do not condone any actions that made anyone feel hurt or uncomfortable, and I offer love and support to everyone who is speaking out to tell their truths,” she wrote.
David Boreanaz and James Marsters Show Support for Their Buffy Co-Star
Nicholas Brendon has also spoken out about Charisma Carpenter’s allegations of abuse against Buffy creator Joss Whedon.
www.vulture.com
Male ‘Buffy’ stars back Charisma Carpenter, others alleging misconduct by Joss Whedon
Charisma Carpenter, left, David Boreanaz and Glenn Quinn in “Angel.”
(Frank Ockenfels / The WB)
By SUZY EXPOSITOSTAFF WRITER
FEB. 15, 2021 4:33 PM PT
Actor David Boreanaz, who famously played Angel on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” is the latest cast member to express support for former costar Charisma Carpenter, who alleged misconduct by series producer Joss Whedon.
Carpenter, known for her breakout role as Buffy’s high school nemesis Cordelia Chase, accused Whedon of creating a hostile environment on set, which she alleged included retaliatory behavior and harassment during her pregnancy.
“Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working together on the sets of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Angel,’” wrote Carpenter last Wednesday in a Twitter thread. “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.”
On Sunday, Boreanaz wrote a response to Carpenter’s tweet: “I am here for you to listen and support you. Proud of your strength.”
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“I know you’re there for me, David,” replied Carpenter. “I appreciate all you’ve done to demonstrate that support privately as well.”
Carpenter initially shared her story in solidarity with actor Ray Fisher, who previously accused Whedon of “gross, abusive” behavior on the set of the 2017 superhero film “Justice League,” in which he portrayed DC Extended Universe character Cyborg.
Carpenter also said she participated in WarnerMedia’s internal investigation of Whedon, as well as “Justice League” producers Geoff Johns and Jon Berg, which has since concluded.
Johns was formerly DC Entertainment’s president and chief creative officer, while Berg was formerly Warner Bros.’ copresident of production. Both ended those roles as the company reevaluated its approach to DC films following the release of “Justice League.”
Warner Bros., which competed its investigation in December, declined to comment beyond an earlier statement.
“The investigation was conducted by an outside law firm and led by a former federal judge,” the studio said. “More than 80 people were interviewed. We have full confidence in its thoroughness and integrity, and remedial action has been taken.”
A representative for Whedon declined to comment.
Warner Bros. does not own either of Whedon’s TV series, which ran in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “Buffy” and “Angel” were owned and distributed by 20th Century Fox Television, now Disney.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the lead role in “Buffy,” responded to the allegations on her Instagram page, writing: “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.”
Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Dawn Summers in the series, followed with her own statement against Whedon: “There was a rule. Saying. He’s not allowed in a room alone with Michelle again,” she wrote in the caption of an Instagram post. Former costar Amber Benson chimed in, stating, “Buffy was a toxic environment and it starts at the top.”
On Saturday, Adam Busch, Tom Lenk and Danny Strong, who all played villains in Season 6 of “Buffy,” joined the ranks of supporters on Twitter. “I support Charisma, Sarah, Amber & Michelle,” wrote Busch. “I admire their courage and leadership. The truth is powerful and it prevails.”
Charisma Carpenter, left, David Boreanaz and Glenn Quinn in “Angel.”
(Frank Ockenfels / The WB)
By SUZY EXPOSITOSTAFF WRITER
FEB. 15, 2021 4:33 PM PT
Actor David Boreanaz, who famously played Angel on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” is the latest cast member to express support for former costar Charisma Carpenter, who alleged misconduct by series producer Joss Whedon.
Carpenter, known for her breakout role as Buffy’s high school nemesis Cordelia Chase, accused Whedon of creating a hostile environment on set, which she alleged included retaliatory behavior and harassment during her pregnancy.
“Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working together on the sets of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Angel,’” wrote Carpenter last Wednesday in a Twitter thread. “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.”
On Sunday, Boreanaz wrote a response to Carpenter’s tweet: “I am here for you to listen and support you. Proud of your strength.”
ADVERTISING
“I know you’re there for me, David,” replied Carpenter. “I appreciate all you’ve done to demonstrate that support privately as well.”
Carpenter initially shared her story in solidarity with actor Ray Fisher, who previously accused Whedon of “gross, abusive” behavior on the set of the 2017 superhero film “Justice League,” in which he portrayed DC Extended Universe character Cyborg.
Carpenter also said she participated in WarnerMedia’s internal investigation of Whedon, as well as “Justice League” producers Geoff Johns and Jon Berg, which has since concluded.
Johns was formerly DC Entertainment’s president and chief creative officer, while Berg was formerly Warner Bros.’ copresident of production. Both ended those roles as the company reevaluated its approach to DC films following the release of “Justice League.”
Warner Bros., which competed its investigation in December, declined to comment beyond an earlier statement.
“The investigation was conducted by an outside law firm and led by a former federal judge,” the studio said. “More than 80 people were interviewed. We have full confidence in its thoroughness and integrity, and remedial action has been taken.”
A representative for Whedon declined to comment.
Warner Bros. does not own either of Whedon’s TV series, which ran in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “Buffy” and “Angel” were owned and distributed by 20th Century Fox Television, now Disney.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the lead role in “Buffy,” responded to the allegations on her Instagram page, writing: “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.”
Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Dawn Summers in the series, followed with her own statement against Whedon: “There was a rule. Saying. He’s not allowed in a room alone with Michelle again,” she wrote in the caption of an Instagram post. Former costar Amber Benson chimed in, stating, “Buffy was a toxic environment and it starts at the top.”
On Saturday, Adam Busch, Tom Lenk and Danny Strong, who all played villains in Season 6 of “Buffy,” joined the ranks of supporters on Twitter. “I support Charisma, Sarah, Amber & Michelle,” wrote Busch. “I admire their courage and leadership. The truth is powerful and it prevails.”
this took MUCH longer than I ever expected.
‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ Actor Harry Lennix on Playing Martian Manhunter and the Joss Whedon Scandal
By Adam B. Vary
variety.com
When Harry Lennix first signed up to appear in Zack Snyder’s 2013 Superman film “Man of Steel,” he thought he was playing General Swanwick, the U.S. military’s primary point of contact with Henry Cavill’s Kryptonian superhero. In Snyder’s follow-up, 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” Lennix returned as Swanwick, who’d been promoted to Secretary of Defense.
It wasn’t until Oct. 2019, however, that Lennix learned Snyder’s real intention was to reveal in 2017’s “Justice League” that Swanwick was actually J’onn J’onzz, a.k.a. the fan-favorite DC superhero — and eventual Justice League member — known as the Martian Manhunter. In the comics, J’onn is the last surviving member of his species; his abilities to change his appearance (normally, he’s green, bald, and has red eyes) have allowed him to live as a human on Earth.
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In a series of social media posts, Snyder revealed storyboards for a scene between Martha Kent (Diane Lane) and Lois Lane (Amy Adams) that ended with Martha transforming into J’onn — and then into Swanwick. “I was able to shoot all of it except for the Harry Lennix side,” Snyder wrote. “Was my intention to do that in LA.”
That shoot, of course, never materialized: Snyder left “Justice League” in the spring of 2017 and was replaced by Joss Whedon, and much of Snyder’s vision for the film — including Martian Manhunter — was cut out. After a massive grassroots campaign to #ReleasetheSnyderCut, however, WarnerMedia announced last May that Snyder was reconstructing his version of the movie into a four-hour epic. Over the summer, Lennix finally was able to shoot his side of Martian Manhunter’s introduction, using motion capture to embody J’onn’s massive green frame.
It’s the first time Martian Manhunter will appear in a live-action feature (David Harewood plays the role in the CW series “Supergirl”), and with “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” finally set for release on HBO Max on March 18, Variety reached out to Lennix to ask him about his unusual journey to the role.
Lennix is a busy guy: He’s currently shooting the eighth season of NBC’s “The Blacklist,” and in December, he announced plans to create the the Lillian Marcie Center and African American Museum of the Performing Arts in the South Side of Chicago. He’s worked for over 30 years as an actor — he’s set to voice a role in Snyder’s upcoming animated Netflix series “Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas” — including two seasons on Whedon’s 2009-2010 Fox TV series “Dollhouse.”
So when Variety asked the 56-year-old to comment on the allegations by Ray Fisher that Whedon engaged in “abusive” and “unprofessional” behavior while working on “Justice League,” Lennix had a few things to say.
Did you first learn that Zack Snyder wanted to make Swanwick become Martian Manhunter when he posted that storyboard of the character in Oct. 2019?
I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what I found out. I don’t think there was any sort of advanced word. There are a lot of people who intuited it somehow, like fans bouncing that idea around. So I don’t know if somebody knew about it outside of Zack before that. But I did not know until I saw that storyboard.
So Zack didn’t give you any indication before he dropped that news?
No, he did not. From time to time, you know, Zack will text me things or email me things. I’ve certainly done projects with him, such as “Army of the Dead,” and I knew that was coming. But he likes to surprise me, and I think I’m not unique in that way. But, you know, there was no time that I could have found out about it that would have been a happier time.
After he dropped that news, did he call you to say, “Oh hey, by the way, I was gonna do this”?
No. The next call that I had from Zack was, “Hey, when can you come in and shoot?” So that was great. I found out that it was a possibility, or at least that Martian Manhunter was going to be in it, when he revealed through the storyboard that Martha Kent is coming by visiting Lois, and then after she leaves, she reveals herself to be, in fact, Calvin Swanwick, or the Martian Manhunter. That’s how I knew about it.
There’s a moment in “Man of Steel” where Swanwick asks Superman why he won’t reveal his identity as an alien that now feels very pointed in a way that obviously you hadn’t intended.
Yes, that’s true. And I think to some extent, that is what has sort of started the speculation [about Martian Manhunter], that Swanwick didn’t shrink away after Superman rather nonchalantly takes his handcuffs off and walks up to the window. This is now getting on to about nine years ago that we shot that scene. I think I asked Zack the question, “Am I going to shrink back here?” Because I’m a general, I’ve obviously faced danger.
And, he said, “No, in fact, you stand your ground, maybe even you move forward a little.” Perhaps that’s what got those wheels turning, that at least gave the suggestion that that might be a plausible reveal.
How much did you know about the character of Martian Manhunter before this became a thing?
Not much at all. I only knew that there was such a character. I’d heard through the fans of the DCEU that there were a couple of members of the Justice League that were not represented in the movie, and vaguely that one of those people was Martian Manhunter, J’onn J’onzz. I didn’t know much about him at all.
How much do you think that he’s going to be in the movie?
I don’t know what’s going to be left on the floor, if any, but I didn’t shoot an inordinate amount. My work is not central, as it were, to the movie. It may be to a plot point. But I don’t think you’ll start talking about that character more than, say, Superman.
You said elsewhere that you would love for there to be a Martian Manhunter movie. Have you heard anything at all from Warner Bros. on that on that front?
Not one thing. I haven’t heard anything moved that needle toward an actuality. But why not?!
The reason there’s a Snyder Cut is because Zack was replaced by Joss Whedon on the movie. As you know, Ray Fisher has alleged that Joss engaged in misconduct during the shoot. You worked with Joss on two seasons of “Dollhouse,” so I wanted to ask if you had any thoughts on the matter?
I wasn’t there during the time in question. I am sorry that anybody had to experience what it was that was described. Obviously, there’s one side of the story that we’ve heard. I don’t know that Joss has made any comments. As you point out, I worked with Joss fairly closely for a couple of years there. I didn’t see that behavior, and at the same time, as an actor, my heart goes out to anybody that had to endure that kind of treatment. We get treated as a second-class citizens frequently. But I did not see it, and I would be curious as to what [Joss’s] response to this has been.
I just hope everybody can move on with their lives, to be honest with you. As a former seminarian, and as somebody who has made mistakes, I’ve been on either side of that equation. Directors sometimes are insensitive to the needs or the feelings of actors, and sometimes actors are needy, and sometimes they are oversensitive. I know I can be. So that said, I hope whatever it was that happened, that people could move on, and — outside of some unforgivable thing — that people can forgive, not just each other, but forgive themselves. To say, “Look, I may have made this mistake in the past, now I know better, and I’m going to do better.” This was a different time. What was tolerable, five years ago, a year ago, is no longer, and we have to adapt to that. I think there’s some of that going on, that this is generational in some way. I know that Ray has it in himself to be better because of this, to be stronger, to have survived it. And I also hope that Joss can, too, that he can survive it, be the writer and creator that that he is and we can all be better because of it.
You’re looking at this with more empathy than I would say many observers have in light of what Ray has alleged, and what actors on “Angel” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alleged about Joss on Wednesday. Were you experiences with Joss purely professional?
Yes. Utterly professional. I didn’t see any of that kind of behavior that I’m hearing about. But I’m in a different place. That kind of thing is not likely to happen to me, just cause I’m a big Black guy from the South Side of Chicago, that people are a little more circumspect in however they might think about treating me or talking to me. I think maybe we should give [Joss] another chance to respond, to see what his side of the story is. Not minimizing anybody’s story, not minimizing the experiences others had in any way. But I believe that we must learn to reconcile. And we must learn to move on.
We wouldn’t be able to take this into a court, per se, not really. What I’ve learned over the years is that two people could be telling the absolute truth from their point of view, and disagree on what those salient points are. Whatever those salient points are, I think that everything that I have heard so far — and that’s not everything — is recoverable. And so to the extent that it’s recoverable, let’s recover from it and keep moving.
Joss hasn’t commented, Ray hasn’t gone public with almost any details about what he says happened on “Justice League,” and WarnerMedia hasn’t revealed what the company learned in its investigation. So figuring out how to move forward is complicated in the absence of detail.
I agree, 100%. What I’ve been able to glean from the stories and the back and forth, such as it is — mostly the forth — is that nasty things were said, mean, insensitive things were said, that made certain people uncomfortable. That’s certainly something I’m familiar with actors having to endure. Indeed, that’s part of the process. People say “no” to us for any number of reasons, or tell us to lose weight or gain it or get taller or shorter or younger. That’s just the nature of the business — it’s a personal business. I am of the opinion that this is entirely fixable, and that really what needs to happen is a dialogue. I mean, the old standard in American jurisprudence is you have a right to face your accuser and to respond. I think that people have the right to present both sides of the case. In fact, it’s not just a right, I think it’s an obligation. I wonder what’s going to happen.
By Adam B. Vary
‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ Actor Harry Lennix on Playing Martian Manhunter and the Joss Whedon Scandal
"Zack Snyder's Justice League" actor Harry Lennix talks Martian Manhunter and why he hopes "people can forgive" in the Joss Whedon scandal.
variety.com
When Harry Lennix first signed up to appear in Zack Snyder’s 2013 Superman film “Man of Steel,” he thought he was playing General Swanwick, the U.S. military’s primary point of contact with Henry Cavill’s Kryptonian superhero. In Snyder’s follow-up, 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” Lennix returned as Swanwick, who’d been promoted to Secretary of Defense.
It wasn’t until Oct. 2019, however, that Lennix learned Snyder’s real intention was to reveal in 2017’s “Justice League” that Swanwick was actually J’onn J’onzz, a.k.a. the fan-favorite DC superhero — and eventual Justice League member — known as the Martian Manhunter. In the comics, J’onn is the last surviving member of his species; his abilities to change his appearance (normally, he’s green, bald, and has red eyes) have allowed him to live as a human on Earth.
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In a series of social media posts, Snyder revealed storyboards for a scene between Martha Kent (Diane Lane) and Lois Lane (Amy Adams) that ended with Martha transforming into J’onn — and then into Swanwick. “I was able to shoot all of it except for the Harry Lennix side,” Snyder wrote. “Was my intention to do that in LA.”
That shoot, of course, never materialized: Snyder left “Justice League” in the spring of 2017 and was replaced by Joss Whedon, and much of Snyder’s vision for the film — including Martian Manhunter — was cut out. After a massive grassroots campaign to #ReleasetheSnyderCut, however, WarnerMedia announced last May that Snyder was reconstructing his version of the movie into a four-hour epic. Over the summer, Lennix finally was able to shoot his side of Martian Manhunter’s introduction, using motion capture to embody J’onn’s massive green frame.
It’s the first time Martian Manhunter will appear in a live-action feature (David Harewood plays the role in the CW series “Supergirl”), and with “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” finally set for release on HBO Max on March 18, Variety reached out to Lennix to ask him about his unusual journey to the role.
Lennix is a busy guy: He’s currently shooting the eighth season of NBC’s “The Blacklist,” and in December, he announced plans to create the the Lillian Marcie Center and African American Museum of the Performing Arts in the South Side of Chicago. He’s worked for over 30 years as an actor — he’s set to voice a role in Snyder’s upcoming animated Netflix series “Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas” — including two seasons on Whedon’s 2009-2010 Fox TV series “Dollhouse.”
So when Variety asked the 56-year-old to comment on the allegations by Ray Fisher that Whedon engaged in “abusive” and “unprofessional” behavior while working on “Justice League,” Lennix had a few things to say.
Did you first learn that Zack Snyder wanted to make Swanwick become Martian Manhunter when he posted that storyboard of the character in Oct. 2019?
I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what I found out. I don’t think there was any sort of advanced word. There are a lot of people who intuited it somehow, like fans bouncing that idea around. So I don’t know if somebody knew about it outside of Zack before that. But I did not know until I saw that storyboard.
So Zack didn’t give you any indication before he dropped that news?
No, he did not. From time to time, you know, Zack will text me things or email me things. I’ve certainly done projects with him, such as “Army of the Dead,” and I knew that was coming. But he likes to surprise me, and I think I’m not unique in that way. But, you know, there was no time that I could have found out about it that would have been a happier time.
After he dropped that news, did he call you to say, “Oh hey, by the way, I was gonna do this”?
No. The next call that I had from Zack was, “Hey, when can you come in and shoot?” So that was great. I found out that it was a possibility, or at least that Martian Manhunter was going to be in it, when he revealed through the storyboard that Martha Kent is coming by visiting Lois, and then after she leaves, she reveals herself to be, in fact, Calvin Swanwick, or the Martian Manhunter. That’s how I knew about it.
There’s a moment in “Man of Steel” where Swanwick asks Superman why he won’t reveal his identity as an alien that now feels very pointed in a way that obviously you hadn’t intended.
Yes, that’s true. And I think to some extent, that is what has sort of started the speculation [about Martian Manhunter], that Swanwick didn’t shrink away after Superman rather nonchalantly takes his handcuffs off and walks up to the window. This is now getting on to about nine years ago that we shot that scene. I think I asked Zack the question, “Am I going to shrink back here?” Because I’m a general, I’ve obviously faced danger.
And, he said, “No, in fact, you stand your ground, maybe even you move forward a little.” Perhaps that’s what got those wheels turning, that at least gave the suggestion that that might be a plausible reveal.
How much did you know about the character of Martian Manhunter before this became a thing?
Not much at all. I only knew that there was such a character. I’d heard through the fans of the DCEU that there were a couple of members of the Justice League that were not represented in the movie, and vaguely that one of those people was Martian Manhunter, J’onn J’onzz. I didn’t know much about him at all.
How much do you think that he’s going to be in the movie?
I don’t know what’s going to be left on the floor, if any, but I didn’t shoot an inordinate amount. My work is not central, as it were, to the movie. It may be to a plot point. But I don’t think you’ll start talking about that character more than, say, Superman.
You said elsewhere that you would love for there to be a Martian Manhunter movie. Have you heard anything at all from Warner Bros. on that on that front?
Not one thing. I haven’t heard anything moved that needle toward an actuality. But why not?!
The reason there’s a Snyder Cut is because Zack was replaced by Joss Whedon on the movie. As you know, Ray Fisher has alleged that Joss engaged in misconduct during the shoot. You worked with Joss on two seasons of “Dollhouse,” so I wanted to ask if you had any thoughts on the matter?
I wasn’t there during the time in question. I am sorry that anybody had to experience what it was that was described. Obviously, there’s one side of the story that we’ve heard. I don’t know that Joss has made any comments. As you point out, I worked with Joss fairly closely for a couple of years there. I didn’t see that behavior, and at the same time, as an actor, my heart goes out to anybody that had to endure that kind of treatment. We get treated as a second-class citizens frequently. But I did not see it, and I would be curious as to what [Joss’s] response to this has been.
I just hope everybody can move on with their lives, to be honest with you. As a former seminarian, and as somebody who has made mistakes, I’ve been on either side of that equation. Directors sometimes are insensitive to the needs or the feelings of actors, and sometimes actors are needy, and sometimes they are oversensitive. I know I can be. So that said, I hope whatever it was that happened, that people could move on, and — outside of some unforgivable thing — that people can forgive, not just each other, but forgive themselves. To say, “Look, I may have made this mistake in the past, now I know better, and I’m going to do better.” This was a different time. What was tolerable, five years ago, a year ago, is no longer, and we have to adapt to that. I think there’s some of that going on, that this is generational in some way. I know that Ray has it in himself to be better because of this, to be stronger, to have survived it. And I also hope that Joss can, too, that he can survive it, be the writer and creator that that he is and we can all be better because of it.
You’re looking at this with more empathy than I would say many observers have in light of what Ray has alleged, and what actors on “Angel” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alleged about Joss on Wednesday. Were you experiences with Joss purely professional?
Yes. Utterly professional. I didn’t see any of that kind of behavior that I’m hearing about. But I’m in a different place. That kind of thing is not likely to happen to me, just cause I’m a big Black guy from the South Side of Chicago, that people are a little more circumspect in however they might think about treating me or talking to me. I think maybe we should give [Joss] another chance to respond, to see what his side of the story is. Not minimizing anybody’s story, not minimizing the experiences others had in any way. But I believe that we must learn to reconcile. And we must learn to move on.
We wouldn’t be able to take this into a court, per se, not really. What I’ve learned over the years is that two people could be telling the absolute truth from their point of view, and disagree on what those salient points are. Whatever those salient points are, I think that everything that I have heard so far — and that’s not everything — is recoverable. And so to the extent that it’s recoverable, let’s recover from it and keep moving.
Joss hasn’t commented, Ray hasn’t gone public with almost any details about what he says happened on “Justice League,” and WarnerMedia hasn’t revealed what the company learned in its investigation. So figuring out how to move forward is complicated in the absence of detail.
I agree, 100%. What I’ve been able to glean from the stories and the back and forth, such as it is — mostly the forth — is that nasty things were said, mean, insensitive things were said, that made certain people uncomfortable. That’s certainly something I’m familiar with actors having to endure. Indeed, that’s part of the process. People say “no” to us for any number of reasons, or tell us to lose weight or gain it or get taller or shorter or younger. That’s just the nature of the business — it’s a personal business. I am of the opinion that this is entirely fixable, and that really what needs to happen is a dialogue. I mean, the old standard in American jurisprudence is you have a right to face your accuser and to respond. I think that people have the right to present both sides of the case. In fact, it’s not just a right, I think it’s an obligation. I wonder what’s going to happen.
Warner Bros. Executive Slams Joss Whedon’s ‘Justice League’ Cut: ‘Stupefying’ and ‘Piece of Sh*t’
The anonymous executive tells Vanity Fair that nobody at Warner Bros. wanted to admit how horrible Whedon's "Justice League" came out.
www.indiewire.com
Warner Bros. Executive Slams Joss Whedon’s ‘Justice League’ Cut: ‘Stupefying’ and ‘Piece of Sh*t’
The anonymous executive tells Vanity Fair that nobody at Warner Bros. wanted to admit how horrible Whedon's "Justice League" came out.
Zack Sharf
Feb 22, 2021 9:45 am
Clay Enos/©Warner Bros. Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection
With the release of “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” now under one month away from streaming on HBO Max, one Warner Bros. executive is holding nothing back about his thoughts on the theatrical release of the film that bombed with critics in November 2017. Snyder left “Justice League” in post-production due to a family tragedy, and Warner Bros. brought in Joss Whedon to oversee the film’s completion and to direct reshoots that lightened up Snyder’s bleak tone. The resulting “Justice League” theatrical cut was a critical and commercial failure for Warner Bros. Speaking anonymously to Vanity Fair, one studio executive said everyone at Warner Bros. knew Whedon’s “Justice League” was a bomb.
“When we got to see what Joss actually did, it was stupefying,” the Warner Bros. executive said. “Everyone knew it. It was so awkward because nobody wanted to admit what a piece of shit it was.”
Even before Snyder walked away from “Justice League,” the director was forced to battle Warner Bros. for creative control of the project. The studio dispatched DC Entertainment creative chief Geoff Johns and Warner Bros. co-production head Jon Berg to the production, where one of them would need to be on set every day monitoring Snyder and making sure the film wasn’t becoming too dark for Warner Bros.’ liking.
“You could say babysit,” Snyder said to Vanity Fair about Johns and Berg’s role on the film. “It didn’t bother me too much because they weren’t that threatening. I just felt the ideas they did have, where they were trying to inject humor and stuff like that, it wasn’t anything that was too outrageous.”
The studio also forced Snyder to cut out certain plot threads, including a proposed romance between Ben Affleck’s Batman and Amy Adams’ Lois Lane, and forbid him to make a version of the movie longer than two hours.
“How am I supposed to introduce six characters and an alien with potential for world domination in two hours?” Snyder said. “I mean, I can do it, it can be done. Clearly it was done. But I didn’t see it.”
To this day, Snyder has never seen Whedon’s “Justice League cut. Deborah Snyder, Snyder’s producing partner and wife, saw a private screening of Whedon’s cut before the film’s release and advised Zack to stay away from Whedon’s version. Deborah told Vanity Fair, ““It was just…it’s a weird experience. I don’t know how many people have that experience. You’ve worked on something for a long time, and then you leave, and then you see what happened to it.”
Deborah Snyder watched Whedon’s “Justice League” cut with Christopher Nolan, Warner Bros.’ “Dark Knight” trilogy director and one of the executive producers of Snyder’s DC films. After the screening, Nolan and Deborah went to Zack with a clear message.
“They came and they just said, ‘You can never see that movie,’” Zack Snyder said.
Warner Bros. is set to stream Snyder’s four-hour “Justice League” on HBO Max starting on March 18. Head over to Vanity Fair’s website to read Snyder’s interview in its entirety.
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EW Magazine: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reunion UPDATE: NEW Audible SERIES
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James Marsters Says Filming ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Assault Scene Was the “Darkest Professional Day of My Life”
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