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Angel star Amy Acker addresses ‘heartbreaking’ allegations against Joss Whedon

Acker voiced her support for those ‘speaking out’ against Buffy creator

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 16 February 2021 08:08 GMT
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Amy Acker as Fred in TV show Angel

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Charisma Carpenter’s Angel co-star Amy Acker is the latest actor to speak out amid the Joss Whedon allegations.

On Wednesday (10 February), Carpenter accused Whedon of “abusing his power” on the set of Buffy and firing her from its spin-off series after she had given birth.

Since the allegations surfaced, many of Carpenter’s fellow stars, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Anthony Head and James Marsters have voiced their support for her.

Amber Benson (Tara) and Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn) came forward with their own allegations against the writer-director. Whedon has not yet responded to the allegations.

On Monday (15 February), Acker – who appeared in Angel as Winnifred “Fred” Birkle – posted a statement on her Twitter account, writing: “I will always be proud of the work we all did on Angel.”

Charisma Carpenter accused Joss Whedon of ‘abusing his power’ on set
Charisma Carpenter accused Joss Whedon of ‘abusing his power’ on set (Getty Images)

She continued: “While I personally had a good and professional experience, it is heartbreaking to hear not everyone did. … I offer love and support to everyone who is speaking out to tell their truths.”

After Angel ended in 2004, Acker went on to star in Whedon’s low-budget version of Much Ado About Nothing (2012), which was filmed in the director’s home. She also appeared in the Whedon-produced 2011 film The Cabin in the Woods.

Earlier this week, Carpenter thanked David Boreanaz, who played the role of Angel, for supporting her “privately” over the years.

READ MORE: Buffy star David Boreanaz voices support for Charisma Carpenter amid Joss Whedon allegations

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Her response to his public statement, which he shared on Twitter, seemingly alluded to the Buffy fan community’s calls for him to respond.

“I know you’re there for me, David,” she wrote.

The Independent has contacted Whedon for comment.

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