" Many of us were , to vary level , manipulated psychologically and emotionally . More than one of us is still in handling for post - traumatic tension . Many of us were put in uncomfortable positions and had to swiftly learn to fight back . "
A few days ago,The Kelly Clarkson Showwas called out for allegedly cultivating atoxic 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 Instagrampostsaying, “I love my team at ‘TheKelly ClarksonShow,’ 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 Banksaddressed theANTMcriticismin a tweet saying, “Been seeing the posts about the insensitivity of some pastANTMmoments, 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
Ellenrespondedto 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.
3.One Tree Hill
After an investigation, Mark Schwahn was subsequentlyfiredfromThe Royals, his show at the time. Cast and crew of that showalsoaccused Schwan of inappropriate behavior.
4.The O.C.
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 2022Vultureprofile, Whedon denied most of the charges against him, but admitted to having affairs on the set ofBuffy.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.”
6.iCarly
7.Zoey 101
Nickelodeon parted ways with Schneider in 2018, but in a 2021interview, he broke his 3-year silence, expressing his desire to return and denying the allegations made against him.
8.Grey’s Anatomy
Pompeo later mentioned in her interview, however, that she and Shonda Rhimes “turned the culture around” on the show.
9.Dr. Phil
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.”
10.The Idol
In atweet, Tesfaye shared a clip of his character mocking Rolling Stone, calling the publication “irrelevant.” He later shared withVanity Fairthat 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, butVicepoints out that the scandal still feels “unresolved.”
12.The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, andArrow
13.Boy Meets World
On top of all that, Trina McGee, who played Angela,tweetedabout the racism she experienced on set, saying she was referred to as “aunt Jemima” by her costar Friedle (who has since apologized).
call off aunt Jemima on set during hair and make up . call a acerb bitch when I quietly waited for my scene to finish rehearsing that was being f’ed up over and over due to episode sport my persona . Told “ it was skillful of you to link us ” like a stranger after 60 episodes
14.Community
After three and a half seasons, Chase waswritten outof the show and given a rather sudden and comedic death. When asked about his previous behavior, herepliedwith, “I am who I am.”
15.Criminal Minds
In 2022, ABC Signature paid $3 million tosettlethe sexual harassment lawsuit brought forth against the show.
