One Tree Hill cast release joint statement accusing showrunner Mark Schwahn of sexual harassment
The cast of hit US show One Tree Hill have united to release a joint statement accusing their former showrunner of sexual harassment.
Actresses including Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton have written an open letter in support of show writer Audrey Wauchope, who publically accused Mark Schwahn of inappropriate behaviour in series of tweets over the weekend.
“All of the female cast members of One Tree Hill have chosen this forum to stand together in support of Audrey Wauchope and one another,” they wrote in a letter published by Variety.
“To use terminology that has become familiar as the systemic reality of sexual harassment and assault has come more and more to light, Mark Schwahn’s behavior over the duration of the filming of One Tree Hill was something of an “open secret,” it continues.
“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, sometimes physically, because it was made clear to us that the supervisors in the room were not the protectors they were supposed to be.”
The letter continues: “Many of us were spoken to in ways that ran the spectrum from deeply upsetting, to traumatizing, to downright illegal.
“And a few of us were put in positions where we felt physically unsafe. More than one woman on our show had her career trajectory threatened.”
The letter, signed by cast and crew, alleges that they were warned not to “come forward” about Schwahn’s behaviour as it could result in the show being cancelled.
“This is not an appropriate amount of pressure to put on young girls,” it reads.
The letter is signed by actresses Bush, Burton, Bethany Joy Lenz, Danneel Harris, Michaela McManus, Kate Voegele, Daphne Zuniga, India DeBeaufort, Bevin Prince, Jana Kramer, Shantel Van Santen, and Allison Munn.
In a series of tweets, Wauchope said that she left the show feeling “confused and demoralized” because of Schwahn’s alleged behaviour.
“I’m furious and sad and everything else for the women who have sat on that couch next to that man,” she wrote.
“And I’m furious and sad and everything else that years later I don’t feel safe to be able to do anything real about this and that it seems to be happening all over this town.”
Schwahn, who created and produced eight seasons of One Tree between 2003-2012, is now showrunner on E! show, The Royals.
Networks E!, Universal Cable Productions, and Lionsgate Television, said in a statement: “We are monitoring the information carefully. E!, Universal Cable Productions and Lionsgate Television are committed to providing a safe working environment in which everyone is treated respectfully and professionally.”
Schwahn is yet to comment on the accusations.
