Sarah Michelle Gellar is lastly opening up about her destructive experiences on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer set.
The Cruel Intentions star appeared at TheWrap’s Power of Women Summit in Los Angeles Wednesday, the place she spoke on the Power of Storytelling: Producers Roundtable. It was right here she lastly spoke out on the now notorious “toxic” work surroundings present creator Joss Whedon allegedly cultivated. Without naming names, she painted an all-too-clear image:
“For so long, I was on a set that I think was known for being an extremely toxic male set, and so that was ingrained in my head that that was what all sets were like, and that women were pitted against each other — that if women became friends, then we became too powerful, so you had to keep that down.”
Yep, that sadly sounds about proper for what we’ve heard about Buffy, sadly — a present that was all about feminine empowerment was infamously in regards to the reverse behind the scenes. SMG continued:
“And now that I’ve had this opportunity to work with so many more women and men that support women as well, I realized how easy an experience it can be, but unfortunately we’re still in that place where all of those departments a lot of times need to be women for us to have a voice.”
We’re glad issues are higher — however as she factors out, Hollywood is way from being fastened.
Related: SMG Warns Hilariously Daughter Against Bangs With THIS Buffy Throwback!
This marks the primary time Sarah herself has spoken out. In 2020, Ray Fisher, who performed Cyborg within the Justice League film, accused Joss of “gross, abusive, unprofessional” habits on the set of that movie. Joss took over directing duties for following Zack Snyder’s household tragedy. You might bear in mind a WarnerMedia investigation was opened, and Sarah’s Buffy co-star Charisma Carpenter ultimately obtained concerned in February of 2021.
Her issues with the showrunner have been legendary, and when she lastly gave them voice, she buried him. She accused him of “hostile and toxic behavior” on set of the long-lasting present, in addition to its spinoff, Angel. She stated on the time:
“For nearly two decades, I have held my tongue and even made excuses for certain events that traumatize me to this day. Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working on the 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.”
Yeah, we all know… Disturbing stuff. And different Buffy alums confirmed their help, with Michelle Trachtenberg even claiming there was a rule she wasn’t allowed to be alone in a room with the screenwriter. Oof.
Sarah adopted up with an Instagram submit of her personal the identical month, exhibiting help for her co-star — however crucially by no means saying something in regards to the set. She wrote diplomatically:
“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. 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 the survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out.”
See the total submit (beneath):
Three months later, ANOTHER Justice League star spoke out. Gal Gadot, who performed Wonder Woman, claimed the director “threatened” her profession in the course of the movie’s manufacturing, additional incriminating the 58-year-old.
Joss himself later broke his silence in January of this 12 months, however as a substitute of apologizing he denied any and all allegations.
Related: Why SMG Walked Away From Acting Following Robin Williams’ Death
As for Sarah, she cryptically informed the New York Times again in September she’d had her “own fair share of experiences” as a lady within the business however once more selected to not elaborate. She famous:
“I don’t win by telling my stories, emotionally, for me. I look at people that tell their stories, and I’m so impressed. But in this world where people get torn apart, and victim blaming and shaming, I just keep my stories in here.”
Troubling stuff, however we’re glad SMG feels secure sufficient to offer some particulars now. What do you consider her newest statements, Perezcious readers? Let us know within the feedback down beneath!
[Image via MEGA/WENN/20th Television/YouTube.]