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"Many of us were, to varying degrees, manipulated psychologically and emotionally. More than one of us is still in treatment for post-traumatic stress. Many of us were put in uncomfortable positions and had to swiftly learn to fight back."
A few days ago, The Kelly Clarkson Show was called out for allegedly cultivating a toxic work environment. One current and 10 former employees anonymously reported to Rolling Stone instances of favoritism, bullying, harassment, and low pay, with one former staffer saying it was “by far the worst experience I’ve ever had in my entire life.”
Clarkson, apparently unaware of the treatment staff were receiving, responded to the reports on an Instagram post saying, "I love my team at 'The Kelly Clarkson Show,' and to find out that anyone is feeling unheard and/or disrespected on this show is unacceptable."
But this isn't the first time sets have been called out for having an awful workplace culture. Here are a few others that were exposed by cast and crew members for being incredibly toxic:
1. America's Next Top Model
In 2020, Tyra Banks addressed the ANTM criticism in a tweet saying, “Been seeing the posts about the insensitivity of some past ANTM moments, and I agree with you. Looking back, those were some really off choices. Appreciate your honest feedback and am sending so much love and virtual hugs.”
2. The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Ellen responded to the massive backlash, stating that she had no idea what was going on behind the scenes of her show and that the criticism surrounding her was fueled by misogyny.
After an investigation, Mark Schwahn was subsequently fired from The Royals, his show at the time. Cast and crew of that show also accused Schwan of inappropriate behavior.
Bilson admitted to being "pretty confused" by Barton's claims, adding that she would "like to talk to her and find out what her experience was from her perspective because I saw things a little differently.”
5. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
In a 2022 Vulture profile, Whedon denied most of the charges against him, but admitted to having affairs on the set of Buffy. He told interviewers he felt "fucking terrible about them" but quickly followed up by saying he felt like he "had to" have the affairs as he was "surrounded by beautiful women."
Nickelodeon parted ways with Schneider in 2018, but in a 2021 interview, he broke his 3-year silence, expressing his desire to return and denying the allegations made against him.
Pompeo later mentioned in her interview, however, that she and Shonda Rhimes "turned the culture around" on the show.
Attorneys for executive producer Carla Pennington and McGraw denied the allegations, adding that, “Dr. McGraw categorically denies racist conduct, and CBS does not tolerate racist conduct."
In a tweet, Tesfaye shared a clip of his character mocking Rolling Stone, calling the publication "irrelevant." He later shared with Vanity Fair that he “thought the article was ridiculous. I wanted to give a ridiculous response to it.”
11. Late Night with David Letterman
Letterman's admission in 2009 received a laugh from his audience and a shrug from other media stars. At the time, he apologized to his staff and wife, but Vice points out that the scandal still feels "unresolved."
12. The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and Arrow
Kreisberg denied the allegations, telling Variety, “I have made comments on women’s appearances and clothes in my capacity as an executive producer, but they were not sexualized. Like many people, I have given someone a non-sexual hug or kiss on the cheek.”
On top of all that, Trina McGee, who played Angela, tweeted about the racism she experienced on set, saying she was referred to as "aunt Jemima" by her costar Friedle (who has since apologized).
Called aunt Jemima on set during hair and make up. Called a bitter bitch when I quietly waited for my scene to finish rehearsing that was being f’ed up over and over due to episode featuring my character. Told “ it was nice of you to join us” like a stranger after 60 episodes
— Trina McGee (@realtrinamcgee) January 12, 2020@realtrinamcgee / Via Twitter: @realtrinamcgee
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