‘Buffy’ star Anthony Head ‘gutted’ by ‘toxic environment’ allegations against Joss Whedon

Anthony Head is the latest Buffy star to speak out in the wake of the allegations.

(PA)

Buffy The Vampire Slayer actor Anthony Head has admitted he’s “seriously gutted” after claims the show’s creator Joss Whedon was responsible for a “toxic and hostile environment” on set.

Earlier this week, actress Charisma Carpenter – who played Cordelia Chase in both the supernatural drama and spin-off series Angel – claimed Whedon “abuse[d] his power” while making the show.

Carpenter added that Whedon was allegedly “casually cruel”, stating: “The disturbing incidents triggered a chronic physical condition from which I still suffer."

Joss Whedon, seen here in September 2018, is yet to respond to the allegations (WireImage)

(Gabriel Olsen via Getty Images)

In the wake of Carpenter’s social media post, numerous Buffy actors, including lead star Sarah Michelle Gellar, have shared their support for the actress. Whedon is yet to address the allegations.

Speaking during an appearance on Thursday’s episode of This Morning, Head said he was unaware of the issues during filming.

Watch: Sarah Michelle Gellar doesn’t want to forever be associated with Joss Whedon

Read more: Sarah Michelle Gellar responds to Joss Whedon claims

“I have been up most of the night just running through my memories thinking “‘What did I miss?’,” he said. “This is not a man saying ‘I didn’t see it so it didn’t happen’.

Anthony Head, Joss Whedon, Daisy Head Head and Emily Head, 2013 (WireImage)

(Ferdaus Shamim via Getty Images)

“I am gutted, I’m seriously gutted because one of my memories, my fondest memory was the fact that it was so empowering. Not just with the words in the script, but the family feel of the show.

“I am really sad if people went through these experiences.”

Charisma Carpenter's co-stars have shared their support. (Invision/AP)

(Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Head, who played Buffy’s guide Robert Giles, added that he saw himself as “a father figure” to many of the young cast members, stating: “I would hope that someone would come to me and say, ‘I’m struggling, I just had a horrible conversation’.”

Following Carpenter’s social media post, Gellar wrote on Instagram: “While I am proud to have my name associated with Buffy Summers, I don’t want to be forever associated with the name Joss Whedon.

Joss Whedon, right, creator, writer and director of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, talks to Sarah Michelle Gellar. (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

(Robert Gauthier via Getty Images)

“I am more focused on raising my family and surviving a pandemic currently, so I will not be making any further statements at this time.

“But I stand with all survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out.”

Buffy The Vampire Slayer aired from 1997 to 2003 while spin-off series Angel ran for five seasons from 1999.

A hit with fans and critics alike, Buffy won two Emmy Awards and Gellar’s star turn as the lead character landed her a Golden Globe nomination in 2001.

Watch: Film, TV maker Joss Whedon faces 'Buffy' actor abuse claims