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

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."

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’.

“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.”

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.

“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