Former Buffy Star Amber Benson Adds More Accusations Against Joss Whedon
Amber Benson is just the latest cast member from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to speak out against Joss Whedon's behavior
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Amber Benson is joining some other former cast members and Hollywood talents in the accusations against Joss Whedon. With a recent groundswell of folks coming out in derision about how Whedon has treated people in the past both on and off set, Benson is putting her own story out there in the public view. The actress shared a response to Charisma Carpenter’s recent details about Whedon’s behavior. Look at what she had to say:
It’s clear what side of the aisle Amber Benson is sitting on when it comes to this situation. There is no ambiguity around how she feels about Joss Whedon’s past behavior. She says as much in the tweet, referencing the “toxic” environment on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. From her words, it’s clear that whatever went down on that show has stuck with her for the better part of two decades.
Amber Benson played Tara Maclay on the show for three seasons. She spent Seasons Four and Five as a recurring character and then joined the main cast for Season Six. She went on to play a number of other bit parts of television shows and some movies following her time on the show. Her role of Tara Maclay was her longest-tenured acting credit.
While Amber Benson doesn’t offer specifics about Joss Whedon’s behavior on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it stands to reason her feelings are in line with what Charisma Carpenter explained, in great detail, in a recent Twitter thread. The latter explained Joss Whedon’s treatment of her during their time on the show, saying he engaged in body shaming and other abusive behaviors towards the actress. Here’s that original post:
It’s a pretty disturbing set of allegations against Whedon and follows on the heels of Ray Fisher speaking out publicly concerning the director’s treatment of others on the set of Justice League. This has led to something of a groundswell among other actors and actresses speaking out against Whedon. Amber Benson and Charisma Carpenter weren’t the only ones from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to come out in public. The titular character herself had this to say on Instagram:
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Charisma Carpenter, and Amber Benson could be just the beginning of these allegations and ultimately could spell the end of Joss Whedon’s career if others continue to speak out. While only Carpenter has gone into specifics, the speed at which others came out to voice their solidarity implies all allegations are true. Joss Whedon’s next project was supposed to be HBO’s The Nevers, but he’s been removed from that project. He has no other upcoming projects to speak of and the rumors going around about his behavior definitely preceded this latest outcry. There’s some chance studios knew they wanted nothing to do with him.
As for Amber Benson, her career has slowed down some over the years, taking fewer roles since Buffy the Vampire Slayer went off the air. But it’s good to see her standing with her colleagues when it comes to speaking out against unacceptable behavior from Joss Whedon.
