The female cast members of the hit TV series One Tree Hill, including Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton, along with the show’s crew, have come together to address allegations of severe s**ual harassment by the show’s former creator, Mark Schwahn.
Their collective statement was in solidarity with former writer Audrey Wauchope, who recently exposed the distressing treatment faced by female staff during the show’s production.
One Tree Hill aired from 2003 to 2012 on US networks WB and CW, respectively, and gained popularity globally, including in Australia on Network Ten.
Mark Schwahn not only founded the show but also served as its showrunner throughout its eight-season duration.
The letter published in Variety emphasized the unity among the female cast members in supporting Wauchope and each other amidst the revelations of misconduct within the production team.
Following accusations of s**ual harassment against Schwahn by a former writer, key cast members James Laferty, Hilarie Burton, and Chad Michael Murray expressed their backing for the victims.
The letter shed light on the alleged continuous inappropriate behavior by Schwahn that had remained undisclosed for a significant period.
It detailed instances of emotional manipulation, trauma, and threats to career paths experienced by the women involved, indicating a toxic work environment.
Despite attempts to shield the studio from Schwahn’s misconduct, the letter highlighted how the lack of intervention and accountability had perpetuated the distressing situation.
Star Sophia Bush lent her support to the cause, underscoring the urgent need for systemic changes across all industries to combat such mistreatment.
The cast and crew’s decision to speak out now stemmed from their desire to uphold the positive legacy of One Tree Hill while acknowledging the pervasive issue within their workplace that demanded action and reform.
The joint statement, signed by a total of 18 cast and crew members, reiterated the collective stance against any form of harassment or abuse, underscoring the importance of creating safe and respectful environments for everyone involved in the entertainment industry.
Audrey Wauchope’s candid tweets about her unsettling experiences on the show further illuminated the troubling dynamics and power imbalances that allowed such misconduct to persist unchecked.
In response to the unified outcry, male cast members also extended their support, emphasizing the necessity of eradicating workplace harassment and upholding equality and respect for all individuals.
While Mark Schwahn has yet to address the allegations publicly, the production companies behind his current project, The Royals, have affirmed their commitment to fostering a safe and professional working environment for all their employees.
