Eliza Dushku is the latest Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast member to come forward with a message of support for Charisma Carpenter.
Earlier this week, Charisma came forward with allegations of on set abuse and misconduct against Joss Whedon, who created the hit WB series along with the spinoff series Angel.
Now, Eliza, who played Faith on both shows, took to Instagram on Thursday (February 11) to praise Charisma for sharing her story.
“CC, my heart aches for you and I’m so sorry you have held this for so long,” Eliza wrote. “Your post was powerful, painful, and painted a picture we’ll collectively never un-see or un-know.”
Eliza worked with Joss on both Buffy and Angel along with another show Dollhouse. She says that she didn’t know about his alleged abuse of power towards Charisma.
“I frequently think of the saying, ‘We are as sick as our secrets.’ Our secrets indeed make and keep us sick,” Eliza continued. “What I’m learning more and more – and have personally found most valuable – is that profound healing can only from naming and disclosing what actually happened, the necessary first step (once someone’s ready) to freeing ourselves from our secrets, untold truths which have kept us isolated, ashamed, and held hostage.”
Eliza added, “Neglecting to ‘name’ the power/gender/sexual/racial abuse epidemic in the entertainment industry (and for that matter society in general), enables the abusers and only emboldens and ultimately fortifies abusive systems.”
Eliza concluded her message with sending support to Charisma and other victims of abuse.
“May you and countless others feel the solidarity and connection you have likely missed for too long,” Eliza wrote. “From courage, come change and hope. It starts and will end because of courageous truth-tellers like you. I admire, respect, and love you.”
Another Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress recently revealed that Joss Whedon wasn’t allowed to be alone with her on set.
