Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Glee’s Heather Morris claims Lea Michele was ‘unpleasant to work with’ but refuses to call actor racist

‘I believe she SHOULD be called out’

Isobel Lewis
Thursday 04 June 2020 08:49 BST
Comments
Glee cast reunite for virtual coronavirus fundraiser

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Heather Morris has supported claims that her Glee co-star Lea Michele was “unpleasant” to work with.

The 33-year-old, who played cheerleader Brittany Pierce on the musical comedy series, shared her thoughts on Twitter after fellow actor Samantha Marie Ware said that Michele demonstrated “traumatic microaggressions” and made life “living hell” for her on the set of Glee.

“Let me be very clear, Hate is a disease in America that we are trying to cure, so I would never wish for hate to be spread to anyone else,” she wrote.

“With that said, was she unpleasant to work with? Very much so; for Lea to treat others with the disrespect that she did for as long as she did, I believe she SHOULD be called out.

“And yet, it’s also on us because to allow it to go on for so long without speaking out is something else we’re learning along with the rest of society.”

However, Morris refused to confirm whether she believed Michele was racist, adding: “But, at the current moment it is implied that she is a racist and although I cannot comment on her beliefs, I think we’re assuming, and you know what happens when we all assume…”

Ware’s original allegations against Michele were supported by fellow black members of the Glee cast Amber Riley, Alex Newell and Dabier Snell, who reacted by chiming in with their own allegations.

Michele has since addressed the allegations in an Instagram post “apologising for my behaviour and for any pain which I have cause”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in