#IStandWithRay Fisher & Charisma Carpenter..Movement (List of all the supporters to date)

[shadowkat]

Last night I rewatched the Disney flick "Newsies" from the early 1990s. The overarching theme was pretty much the same as Buffy - together we can take down the bullies. It takes one voice to speak out, but if many join, that voice won't be silenced and then things can finally change.

Ray Fisher. I don't know if you know about Justice League reshoot with Whedon that occured in 2017? Anyone who followed the film and was interested in it - does. I do for two reasons, 1) I find it fascinating, 2) I was into the films and had seen most of the prior ones. I have a weakness for superhero films, actually I have a weakness for all superhero stories - I find them comforting in this crazy ass world we live in.

Anyhow what came out about Justice League during those re-shoots was bad enough to tank the movie at the box office and kill plans for another one. (Although to be fair, I thought the movie was mediocre at best - I have a review of it somewhere in my journal.)

Ray Fisher's allegations are explained HERE. Fisher has been fighting to be heard since roughly 2017. He's the reason Charisma Carpenter got the courage to speak out - she did it in support of his allegations not for herself.

To date...the following have posted their support of Charisma Carpenter and Ray Fisher's statements.

Charisma - Lists all the people who have tweeted or instagrammed their support of Charisma

Below the cut is all the tweets and posts I could find supporting Charisma from cast, crew, tie-in novelists, writers, etc...

[ETA1 - 2-15-21: added Amy Acker's post in support. She didn't experience anything but is supportive. Also added link to the Pruitt's complaints a few weeks back. ETA2 - 2-16-21: Nick Brendan made a statement via his FB page, poor guy was in the hospital waiting for Spinal Surgery and trying to a GoFundMe to help pay for it. Meanwhile fans are bugging him about something that happened over 20 years ago. SMH. ETA- 2-17-21 : Added Stephen Deknight - who had a post similar to Acker's he didn't know about it. He wouldn't have - he was working on Buffy at the time and did a couple of Angel episodes. And it was behind closed doors. I doubt anyone told him. But he loves the actress and the others, and supports them.]



1. Amber Benson

Amber Benson amber_benson
Buffy was a toxic environment and it starts at the top. allcharisma
is speaking truth and I support her 100%. There was a lot of damage done during that time and many of us are still processing it twenty plus years later. #IStandWithRayFisher #IStandWithCharismaCarpenter

2. Sarah Michelle Gellar posted in response to Amber and Charisma to Instagram

3. Michelle Trachenberg posted in response to Sarah's Instagram

4. Anthony Stewart Head - States he's gutted by the allegations.

5. Emma Caulfield posted in response to Sarah's and quoted Sarah's Instagram

6. James Marsters

James Marsters@JamesMarstersOf
While I will always be honored to have played the character of Spike, the Buffy set was not without challenges. I do not support abuse of any kind, and am heartbroken to learn of the experiences of some of the cast. I send my love and support to all involved.

7. Marti Noxon (co-show-runner of Buffy)

NOX NOX WHO’S WEARING A MASK?
martinoxon
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 allcharisma
, Amber, Michelle and all
the women who have spoken out are coming from.

Kater Gordon and I 1/2

[Recently Marti supported Kater Gordon's allegations against Matthew Weiner creator of Mad Men, Marti had also been dubbed "Suicide Girl" by the writers at Buffy.]

8. Jose Molina [Firefly writer - wrote two episodes of the short lived series, also wrote for Agent Carter,

Jose Molina josemolinatv
"Casually cruel" is a perfect way of describing Joss. He thought being mean was funny. Making female writers cry during a notes session was especially hysterical. He actually liked to boast about the time he made one writer cry twice in one meeting. #IStandWithCharismaCarpenter

9. Adam Busch

adam busch@adambusch

I support Charisma, Sarah, Amber & Michelle. I admire their courage and leadership. The truth is powerful and it prevails.

10. Julie Benze

Julie Benz@juliebenz
My heart goes out to all victims of abuse. Sending love to my fellow Buffy and Angel survivors. I stand with you and support you.
Heart suit

11. David Boreanze in direct response to Charisma's tweet:

David Boreanaz david_boreanaz
·
Replying to allcharisma
I am here for you to listen and support you. Proud of your strength
Heart suit Folded hands

ETA: "Charisma's response:

charisma carpenter
allcharisma - david_boreanaz
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.
Heart suit

[Note - my guess is they are talking to each other and determining what message they should put out there.]

12. Tom Lenk

Tom Lenk tomlenk
So as not to center myself in the narrative, I thought it was important to leave space for the women and series regulars of BTVS to speak. But while I am here listening, I wanted to take a moment to send my love and support to the women of Buffy.

13. Mere Smith - who liked and retweeted Charisma's posts. (She was a breakdown script writer on Angel) - I can't find it.

14. J. August Richards.

J. August Richards
jaugustrichards - Sending you my love, allcharisma
. I know the feelings of vulnerability and fear that come with speaking your truth. As I said to you yesterday, I am here for you, however you need me.
Folded hands
Red heart

15. Danny Strong (Jonathan)

Danny Strong dannystrong
Sending love and support to allcharisma
amber_benson
realmichellet
sarahmgellar
and all who have gone public about their toxic experiences on buffytvs
. I truly admire your bravery in speaking out.

16. Clare Krammer (Glory on Buffy)

Clare Kramer clarekramer
For what it’s worth, I believe and stand with allcharisma
, ray8fisher
, amber_benson
and others who have the strength to come forward with their truth. A lot of this industry needs a reset.....

17. Eliza Dusku - posted on Instagram in direct response to Charisma's Instagram post

"“[Charisma Carpenter], my heart aches for you & I’m so sorry you have held this for so long. Your post was powerful, painful and painted a picture we’ll collectively never un-see or un-know. Thank you. I hadn’t known it and I won’t forget it,” Dushku wrote on Instagram. “May you and countless others feel the solidarity and connections you have likely missed for too long. From courage, come change and hope. It starts and will end because of courageous truth-tellers like you. I admire, respect and love you.”

18. James C. Leary [Clem]

James C. Leary- thejamesleary

I am amazed at the bravery of those who speak out against toxicity and abuse. While I never experienced it first hand I had heard stories for YEARS from many people who did. I am sorry it took so long for the truth to finally come out. #IStandWithCharismaCarpenter

19. Jeff Marriott - Buffy/Angel novel tie-in writer - who personally knows Whedon and the people involved - he posted on FB

Jeff Mariotte
I've written some Buffy novels, and more Angel novels than any other writer. I co-wrote the second official BtVS episode guide, and the first Angel one. When I was editor-in-chief at IDW Publishing, I brought the Angel license to IDW, then left my job and wrote the first several comics. That was made more difficult by Joss's indecision about what he wanted to do with the character (this was just post-series finale). Joss's disparaging comments about tie-in novels based on his shows was disheartening, too. I know Joss. I don't like him, but I know him.

I've also spent time with many of the cast members of those shows, and consider some of them good friends. They're an incredibly talented bunch, and they made those shows work. Writing those books and comics, and being part of that community, was an important stage in my life and career.
I absolutely believe everything Charisma Carpenter says in the tweets shown here. It fits with everything I've seen and heard about Joss over the years. He pretends to be a feminist, and he can pull off the pretense for a while. But when the spotlight's off, the truth emerges.
The casts and crews of those shows were total professionals, performing near miracles to make them some of the best TV we've ever seen. Joss is happy to take credit for that. He is a talented guy. But he's a jerk, and he should not be admired.

Charisma is someone who should be admired. I'm sorry This happened to her, and sorry that we didn't know it at the time. She's amazing. And Cordelia, I've said many times, was my favorite character to write. Charisma is the reason why.
https://twitter.com/btvsarchive/status/1359539302154272769
#JossWhedon #IStandWithRayFisher #istandwithcharismacarpenter

20. Christopher Golden - another Buffy novelist and tie-in writer:

Christopher Golden@ChristophGolden
There are so many people who could back up what allcharisma
is saying. I hope they follow amber_benson
's example and do that. Yes, it may cost you, but otherwise what's the point of anything?
#IStandWithRayFisher
#IStandWithCharismaCarpenter
#IStandWithAmberBenson

ETA1 -2-15-21:

21. Amy Acker Tweeted her support - she basically said that while she had a good experience, it's heartbreaking that not everyone did. And she doesn't condone any actions that made anyone feel uncomfortable. [I was surprised by this one, she's been in a lot of Whedon's television series.]

ETA2

22. Nicholas Brendan (also surprised, considering the poor man slipped on some black ice, broke his back and is undergoing spinal surgery. He did a live FB interview via his hospital bed. Fans were pestering him for a response - in regards to things that happened over 20 years ago back stage.) Nick Brendan's statement from FB - in his hospital bed. [ Honestly, I don't think you can expect a coherent statement from an actor lying in a hospital bed by himself in the middle of a pandemic waiting for spinal surgery about something that happened 20 years ago. Frigging hell, fandom.]

“I’m not speaking on Joss yet,” Brendon, 49, explained in a Facebook Live video on Monday, February 15, as he prepared to undergo spinal surgery. “It’s very personal for me, so I’ll speak on that when I’m ready to speak on that because he and I had a relationship. It’s a big part of my life, a very emotional part of my life and I want to give it the proper respect and time that it deserves.”

The actor, who played Xander Harris on the supernatural teen drama, added that “it’s hard” to come up with the right words to address situations like this. “It’s not just something I want to make a comment on, do you know what I mean?” he said. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to get some spinal surgery tomorrow and heal and come up with a statement that represents me.”

“I just hope that growth comes, and healing [comes] and him being a better person … because I think that’s what every day is about. You know what I mean? Not beating somebody up,” the Criminal Minds alum continued. “I mean, were there transgressions? Yeah, there were. To me as well … I had my relationship with Joss as well. And I love him. … I mean, for me, I took the good, I took the bad. But that’s not everybody. … I love and support [Charisma] very much and I know that story, and it’s not a kind story.”

Brendon later admitted that there were “transgressions” while working on the ’90s series, but that he still has a lot of respect for Whedon, 56, and his work.

[Also Bryan Fuller (writer/director) and Emily Deschanel came out in support.

23. Buffy stunt coordinators Jeff and Sarah Pruitt who left after S5, due to a major falling out with Whedon. They've been making allegations of toxic behavior since roughly 2000. "Last year, Crawford and her husband Jeff Pruit (Buffy's stunt coordinator) gave an interview describing Whedon as an "egomaniac" who tormented them while they worked on the show. They alleged that Whedon had Pruitt's home computer tapped and that Whedon demanded that Crawford break up with Pruitt in exchange for more work on the show. The couple quit Buffy, and while Pruitt claims that Whedon threatened their careers, they were able to find other jobs due to their own contacts in the industry."]


24. ETA3 - Stephen Denight - Buffy and Angel writer - lends his support.

Steven DeKnight@stevendeknight

I adore Charisma and Amber and all of the cast and crew of Buffy and Angel. But I can't really speak towards the specifics that I was not privy to or unaware of. That said, everyone deserves a voice and deserves to be heard. That is and must always be the case.



Also, as an aside, some Buffy fans are assholes. (I get it your hero has fallen off his pedestal, but come on.) Seriously. The people that actors have to put up with. I don't know how they do it. SMH One asshole, quietdemon (which pretty much tells you everything right there), was upset about woman accusing and suing his innocent buddies for harassment, so of course everyone here was lying to - and they needed proof. I'm not sure what proof he needs? David Boreanze was flashing his prick on the set and Whedon let him. What else do you need? I mean that kind of tells you right there that it was a toxic work environment. Hello. Another guy was accusing Charisma of being silly, and that's just the way directors are. One responded to Benz's tweet - "Did Joss Kill people, what did they survive from?" And another? was accusing them all of lying to get attention. Then there's the fans upset with Gellar for not going into detail and (they think) making it about her. Dusku didn't either. Both supported Charisma. And of course the fans who are upset with Brendan (who broke his back and can't get on a computer), Alyson (who is busy promoting a movie), and Alexis and Seth Green. But it is just a handful of folks, for the most part - and we already knew there are assholes out there - didn't we? The actors are used to them by now and just ignore them, they don't engage. They let the idiotic fans argue amongst themselves, with a few of us idiots trying to defend them against the assholes. [ETA: stupid fans are bullying poor Alyson Hannigan to speak up.]

For Ray Fisher?

1. Gail Gadot - on Whedon

2. Jason Momoa Jason Momoa also experienced mistreatment


I think Whedon is done. I know I'm going to have troubles watching his stuff for a bit - even though I think we can separate it. I had troubles watching Singing in the Rain last night - which I know, is silly.

The Whedon Studies Association has to rethink its entire mission statement, apparently it's huge and worldwide, with a large membership. They wondered if they should reach out to Whedon and request an explanation. Then remembered that Whedon had never responded to any requests they'd sent in the past and was kind of ignoring their existence. I told them (I joined the FB page, I'm no scholar and seldom involved - and have pretty much moved past Whedon - the comics killed me on him, well that and the Justice League Movie and horrid Wonder Woman script - which had gotten leaked on the internet) - anyhow I told them, that I wouldn't hold my breath or bother - there's no way, Whedon will release a statement on this. So, they finally decided, frack Whedon, we've decided to disassociate ourselves from him and to stand with Charisma and Ray Fisher. So too has Whedonseque - who changed their name on twitter to Wh*&%doneque for the time being.

I'm watching All Creatures Great and Small Today. I find it comforting.

Comments

[shadowkat]

Agreed. I think the first part may have been a direct result of the second - Joss is an asshole as a result we worked long hours, and Joss is an asshole and we worked long hours, but hey at least we have a job and are getting paid - and it won't last forever.

The fact that they re-shot an episode (Beneath You). He'd watched the edit and made them all come back and reshoot it that same night, after telling them how bad they were - and he'd save them - is kind of telling? I mean I remember reading about that reshoot and Marsters describing it in detail. That was a painful shoot. Long. And tiring. He was so exhausted when he did it, that he didn't care any longer.
Also, I saw the original script written by Doug Petrie - and it was longer. Whedon hated it. Blasted everyone and redid it. That's why it kind of stands out from the rest of the episode. As fans we adored it - but, I have a feeling it was painful to shoot.

Also in a recent interview - Gellar said the musical would have been easier if it were the first episode of the year, but it was later - and they didn't have much time to prepare. Whedon wrote it over the summer, and didn't work on the other episodes - and then threw it at them and said, guess what I'm doing a musical. Gellar - was like, "uhm, I can't sing or dance". She hired someone to help her - so basically killed herself to make it work. Marsters has told the story more than once. Whedon and Head say - "oh everyone was on board and loved the idea", and Marsters is like, "what? That's not what I'm remembering, man. I remember we all thought our careers were over and Joss had gone insane."
He went into detail once about it - they entered their trailers, there was a knock on the door, and they all got this cassette - telling them to listen to this - and this is our next episode. It was a tape of Joss and Kai singing all the songs Whedon wrote. And Marsters, states, "Joss isn't a musician or a good singer, nor was Kai, although she's slightly better. So it sounded awful. Everyone left their trailers at the same time with the same look - WTF? Has Whedon lost his mind? Are our careers gone? What can we do to stop this?" And he remarks that what made him really proud of the cast (not Whedon) - was everyone stepped up and did everything possible to make it work. Marsters was particularly proud of Sarah and sang her praises - since she had to do all the heavy lifting. She chose not to be dubbed - because the songs were too crucial to her character. Notably Whedon didn't make Hannigan sing and didn't give her any songs.

After it happened - both David Boreanze and Charisma Carpenter sent notes to Whedon stating that if he tried to do that to them - they'd walk out.

They never say in any of their cons or interviews that it was pleasant place to work.

[mefisto]

I expect that any creator of a great work -- and Buffy is a great show -- will be a perfectionist and hard to work with under the best of circumstances. The re-shoot is the kind of thing that does happen in other professions. I had to re-write briefs at the last minute and under pressure, and I'm sure you've had similar experiences. It sounds, though, as if Joss was a jerk even beyond that.

But let's face it: that closing scene of Beneath You is amazing. I think it may be the best scene in the series (lots of competition, of course).

[shadowkat]

I agree. What I'm kind of struggling with at the moment is does an auteur have to be an ass? And what if more time were alotted? I mean - Joss could have written Beneath You instated of Doug Petrie or broken it up?

I don't know if it excuses the behavior. I've questioned this in my own workplace - unnecessary stress. Are there things that require a deadline and must be done fast? Yes. But often, it's careless and selfish behavior resulting in this situation.

In Whedon's case? Regarding Beneath You? At the end of the day? It's just a television series with commercials. Was the scene amazing, yes. Did I love it yes, but...and it's just one example. There are so many. Television shows are filmed quickly and the industry needs to re-evaluate how they are created. I mean - in 1990s and 2000 that made sense. Now? Not so much. So it can change.

[mefisto]

Every single case I know of in the legal profession of stressful situations involves bad organization/planning by those in charge. When I got to organize my own schedule, I always got the work done in advance with no last minute emergencies. So yeah, there's a toxic culture involving a "see how hard we work" mentality that poisons probably all business.

The sad thing is that most such last minute work is actually low quality. Nobody works well under pressure and mistakes are much more common. But whatever the reason, that didn't happen with Beneath You.

[shadowkat]

When I got to organize my own schedule, I always got the work done in advance with no last minute emergencies. So yeah, there's a toxic culture involving a "see how hard we work" mentality that poisons probably all business.

Exactly. The problem is dealing with the procrastinators. Sigh.

The sad thing is that most such last minute work is actually low quality. Nobody works well under pressure and mistakes are much more common. But whatever the reason, that didn't happen with Beneath You.

I'd place the credit on Gellar and Marsters who poured everything they had into that scene. All Whedon did was write it and tell them what he wanted. The people who did the work were the actors, camera crew, lighting crew, film editors, makeup, etc.

It's kind of easy to write a script - it's just you and the paper. And the words. Direction is more difficult - because you have to convey what you want to another person. And that's hard to do - I did it once, I'll never do it again. Acting is even harder - because you have to interpret what is on the page, hit the marks, and somehow bring to life what is in the writers heads. And screen-acting? Ugh.
It's okay that was great, but we have to do it again because of glare on the camera lense. Or the lights were off. Or your hand was in the wrong place.

For an actor the first take is often their best. But it's rarely what we see.

I agree it was amazingly well done. But I don't credit Whedon with it any longer...I'm crediting Gellar and Marsters and the crew. I should have prior to now, I regret that. I think that's the mistake fans have made over the years? We give all the credit to the writers, or all to Whedon, often forgetting this is a collaborative work of art. It's not a novel. I've seen a lot of people in the fandom still doing that to some extent - acting as if its a novel. But it's a television show.

I had the same issue with fans in regards to the television show to the comics. Of course the comics weren't as good - it didn't have everyone, all it had was Whedon. That's not Buffy. It's not really Whedon's.

I could read fanfic without any problems - because I didn't consider the story belonging to one person. Once it aired - it changed. Everyone sees it differently.