Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Nicholas Brendon says he “supports” Charisma Carpenter’s recent claims that the show’s creator Joss Whedon created “hostile and toxic work environments” – but also says he “loves” them both.
The actress says the producer called her “fat” while she was pregnant, and later fired her from the role of Cordelia.
The 49-year-old actor is the latest Buffy The Vampire Slayer star to step into the growing controversy around Whedon’s alleged “misconduct”.
Joss Whedon is yet to publicly respond to the allegations. Pic: AP
Speaking on a Facebook Live stream from a hospital room where he was awaiting back surgery, Brendon – who played Xander in the show – admitted there had been “transgressions” on set, but also appeared to defend Whedon’s actions.
He said: “I mean, unless you know Joss, it’s just kinda, like… Out of this I just hope that growth comes, and healing, and then being a better person and a better people.
Carpenter made the initial allegations against Joss Whedon. Pics: AP
“Because I think that’s what every day is about. You know what I mean? Not beating somebody up.
“I mean, were there transgressions? Yeah, there were. To me as well, you know what I mean?
“It’s like, I had my relationship with Joss as well. And I love him. You take, you know… for me, I took the good, I took the bad… but that’s not everybody.”
He added: “I love and support [Carpenter] very much and I know that story, and it’s not a kind story.”
Gellar says she’s ‘proud’ of her co-stars for ‘speaking out’. Pic: AP
“I know my relationship with Joss and it isn’t… there are many… there’s a lot of kindness. But also not, you know? So it’s kinda hard to give a statement when things are like that. It’s like, ‘hey make a statement that’s like, my thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s families.’ I don’t do that s***.”
His comments on the claims follow those of fellow cast members including the programme’s main star, Sarah Michelle Gellar, along with Anthony Head, Amber Benson, Michelle Trachtenberg, Eliza Dushku, David Boreanaz and James Marsters.
Whedon is yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The 56-year-old created Buffy The Vampire Slayer – which ran from 1997 to 2003 – and its spin-off Angel, and cult drama Firefly.
In 2017, Whedon directed the reshoots of Justice League after original director Zack Snyder stepped down following the death of his daughter.
Sky News has contacted Whedon for comment.