Boreanaz backs Carpenter
Buffalo native David
Boreanaz is speaking out in support of his “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star amid allegations of abuse by series creator Joss Whedon.
Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase on “Buffy” and the Boreanaz-starring spinoff “Angel,” shared her own experiences with Whedon after “Justice League” actor Ray Fisher accused Whedon of being “abusive” and creating a hostile working environment.
Fisher’s claims “gutted me,” Carpenter said. “Joss has a history of being casually cruel… (and) abused his power on numerous occasions…while he found his misconduct amusing, it only served to…disempower me, and alienate me from my peers.”
The former Playboy cover girl also said Whedon called her “fat” when she was four months pregnant, asked if she would keep her baby, and “unceremoniously fired” her the season after she gave birth to her son, Donavan Charles Hardy.
“I am here for you to listen and support you. Proud of your strength,” Boreanaz wrote on Twitter Sunday.
“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 responded.
Boreanaz, who was born in Buffalo and graduated from Ithaca College, played the vampire Angel on “Buffy” and “Angel” from 1997 to 2004. He also starred on the television series “Bones” and currently plays Jason Hayes on “SEAL Team.”
Carpenter, whose credits also include “The Expendables” and “Veronica Mars,” has also received support from “Buffy” costars Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg.
“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 said on Instagram. “I stand with all survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out.”
Trachtenberg, who first played Buffy’s younger sister in 2000 when she was 15 years old, has accused Whedon of inappropriate behavior.
“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,” Trachtenberg wrote. “So now. People know. What Joss. Did.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.” — Syracuse.com