Buffy showrunner Marti Noxon speaks out on Joss Whedon abuse allegations: ‘I would like to validate their story’
Marti Noxon attended the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on 22 September 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer showrunner Marti Noxon said she stands by accounts of abuse by Joss Whedon by stars of the show, saying she would “like to validate their story”.
Noxon, who joined Buffy as co-producer in season three and became showrunner for its final two years, spoke in support of Charisma Carpenter, Michelle Trachtenberg and Amber Benson, who have accused the series creator and executive producer Whedon of abuse of power and creating a toxic work environment.
She wrote on Twitter: “I would like to validate what the women of Buffy are saying and support them in telling their story.
“They deserve to be heard.
“I understand where [Charisma Carpenter], Amber, Michelle and all the women who have spoken out are coming from.”
https://twitter.com/martinoxon/status/1360354381812563975
She shared an article that she and Kater Gordon, an American television writer famous for her work on Mad Men, co-wrote about some of their “toxic” experiences in the business – which included sexual harassment, gender discrimination and hostile work environments – for the Hollywood Reporter in 2020.
Joss Whedon’s behaviour ‘was well-known’.
Gordon also shared her feelings about the Whedon allegations. She wrote on Twitter that it was “amazing that people are just now publicly enraged” by Whedon’s alleged behaviour. Gordon continued: “His was well-known behaviour before [Ray Fisher] put it all on the line.
“Seeing so many people speak up at this moment highlights how difficult it is to do so.
“If given the chance to publicly corroborate about abuses, do it.
“Unfortunately, strength comes in numbers, and this seems to be the only way to ensure the right people are protected.
“The wrong ones have been shielded for too long.”
Amazed that people are just now publicly enraged by Joss Whedon. His was well known behavior before @ray8fisher put it all on the line. Seeing so many people speak up at this moment highlights how difficult it is to do so.
— Kater Gordon (@katergordon) February 13, 2021
From Justice League to Buffy: Joss Whedon’s accused of ‘unacceptable’ and ‘gross’ behaviour
In July 2020, actor Ray Fisher accused Joss Whedon of “gross, abusive, unprofessional and completely unacceptable” behaviour on the set of Justice League.
In February 2021, Charisma Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase in Buffy and its spin-off Angel, posted a lengthy statement detailing years of alleged hostilities.
She accused Whedon of “abusing his power” by frequently undermining her with “mean and biting” behaviour, stoking her performance anxiety while disempowering her and “alienating” her from her peers.
Buffy star Sarah Michelle Geller has distanced herself from the director and gave her full support to those who spoke out.
“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.
“I am more focused on raising my family and surviving a pandemic currently, so will not be making further comments at this time. But I stand with all survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out.”
In the days following, Michelle Trachtenberg and Amber Benson shared their sentiments about Whedon’s behaviour on the set of the cult-classic. Both women said Whedon’s behaviour was not appropriate and downright hostile in some instances, with Trachtenberg alleging Whedon was not allowed to be in a room with her alone on the set of Buffy, which she joined aged 14.
James Marsters, who played fan-favourite Spike in Buffy and Angel, also raised issues with Whedon’s conduct. He spoke to Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast Inside of You about an aggressive interaction he said he had with Whedon over his character’s popularity.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel star David Boreanaz commended Carpenter for her “strength” in speaking out against Whedon. Boreanaz, who played the vampire heartthrob Angel, quotes her original tweet against Whedon, saying: “I am here for you to listen and support you. Proud of your strength.”
Joss Whedon has not spoken publicly on the allegations and has not responded to requests for comment.
