Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty; Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage
Buffy the Vampire Slayer’sDavid Boreanazhas extended his support to costarCharisma Carpenterboth publicly and privately after shecame forward with allegations against series creator Joss Whedon.
Days after Carpenter claimed that Whedon “abused his power on numerous occasions while working together” on the series and its spinoff,Angel, costar Boreanaz praised her for speaking out.
“I am here for you to listen and support you. Proud of your strength,” Boreanaz, 51,tweetedalongside a red heart and praying hands emoji, on Feb. 14 in response to her statement.
Acknowledging his support, 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,” shepostedon Twitter, also adding a red heart emoji.
Carpenter starred as Cordelia Chase from the supernatural series' launch in 1997 and later joined the Boreanaz-fronted spinoff,Angel, through 2003.
Buffy.Getty
“For nearly two decades, I have held my tongue and made excuses for certain events that traumatize me to this day,” began Carpenter, 50. “Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working together on the sets ofBuffy the Vampire SlayerandAngel. 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.”
“He was mean and biting, disparaging about other openly, and often played favorites, pitting people against one another to compete and vie for his attention and approval,” she alleged.
Charisma Carpenter (left) and Joss Whedon.John Sciulli/Getty; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
“He 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,” she claimed.
Carpenter said she felt empowered to speak out after actorRay Fishercame forward with allegations against Whedonlast year, claiming the director “was gross, abusive, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable” while they worked together onJustice Leaguein 2017. Fisher’s claimsprompted an internal investigation, which concluded in December 2020. WarnerMedia said at the time that “remedial action has been taken.”
Fisher, 33, responded onTwitter, calling Carpenter “one of the bravest people I know.”
“I can no longer remain silent,” she added. “This is overdue and necessary. It is time.”
Since coming forward, a number of Carpenter’s former costars have spoken out, includingEliza Dushku,Amber Benson,Michelle TrachtenbergandSarah Michelle Gellar.
source: people.com
