Actor Ray Fisher has continued to call out those involved with Warner Bros and the 2017 “Justice League” film, tweeting on Monday, “There’s only one reason that I haven’t been sued by Joss Whedon, Toby Emmerich, Geoff Johns, Jon Berg, or Walter Hamada: They know I’m telling the truth.”
Fisher has been vocal about what he felt was a racist and toxic atmosphere engendered during his time on the film. The focus of his ire was the movie’s director, Joss Whedon, who he alleged carried out various abuses while on the set. Fisher also accused Warner Bros. Picture Group chairman Toby Emmerich, former DC Entertainment president and chief creative officer (CCO) Geoff Johns, Justice League producer Jon Berg and DC Films president Walter Hamada of aiding and abetting his behavior.
Fisher confirmed last month that he had been let go from the upcoming “The Flash” film in the “Justice League” franchise. He tweeted, “I strongly disagree with their decision, but it is one that is unsurprising,” adding, “while I do mourn the lost opportunity to bring Victor Stone back to the screen, bringing awareness to the actions of Walter Hamada will prove to be a much more important contribution to our world.”
That missive came just weeks after Fisher proclaimed in a Dec. 30 tweet: “Walter Hamada is the most dangerous kind of enabler. His lies, and WB PR’s failed Sept 4th hit-piece, sought to undermine the very real issues of the Justice League investigation. I will not participate in any production associated with him.”
Warner Bros. eventually commissioned what they called an “extensive” investigation into Fisher’s claims, a spokesperson stating that, “more than 80 people were interviewed. We have full confidence in its thoroughness and integrity, and remedial action has been taken. The investigation has concluded, and it is time to move on.”
However, the issue has gained more visibility in recent days, following the succession of actors who have come out to describe their experiences of working with Whedon. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” star Charisma Carpenter spoke out in support of Fisher with a lengthy Feb. 10 tweet.
“Last summer, when Ray Fisher publicly accused Joss of abusive and unprofessional behavior toward the cast and crew during reshoots on the Justice League set in 2017, it gutted me,” Carpenter’s statement read. “Joss has a history of being casually cruel. He has created hostile and toxic work environments since his early career. I know because I experienced it first-hand. Repeatedly.”
Carpenter detailed several instances of Whedon’s harassment, indicting him for what she described as his cruel, petty nature. She says he would constantly threat to fire her, called her “fat” while she was four months pregnant, and refused to accommodate doctor’s orders for her pregnancy.
“Recently, I participated in WarnerMedia’s Justice League investigation because I believe Ray to be a person of integrity who is telling the truth,” Carpenter continued. “His firing as Cyborg in the Flash was the last straw for me. Although I am not shocked, I am deeply pained by it. It troubles and saddens me that in 2021 professionals STILL have to choose between whistleblowing in the workplace and job security.”
Since releasing that statement, Carpenter’s “Buffy” co-stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, David Boreanaz, and Michelle Trachtenberg expressed support for her and some have even corroborated her experiences with allegations of their own.
In Fisher’s January post he credited the investigations with the “more immediate parting of ways between Warner Media and Joss Whedon.” He noted that his responsibility was not to let Whedon “exit of his own accord.”
“My responsibilities are, and have been: 1), To try and protect those that were brave enough to lend their voice to the Justice League Investigation,” he wrote. “2), To use what little power I possess to ensure that the workplace behavior exhibited during the Justice League reshoots (and its investigation) never happens again.”
With the premiere of the official trailer for the original director’s cut of the film, titled “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” Fisher has been actively promoting its release, tweeting on February 14, “The. Cut. Is. Justice.”
