Michelle Trachtenberg Says Joss Whedon Was Not Allowed to Be Alone With Her on ‘Buffy’

Charisma Carpenter earlier in the week revealed she had been traumatized for years due to the treatment she received from the show’s creator-director.

Michelle Trachtenberg has leveled a new accusation against Joss Whedon. The actress recently updated a statement she released earlier in the week on social media when she came to the support of fellow Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Charisma Carpenter, who revealed that she had been traumatized for years due to the treatment she received from Whedon during the production of the iconic show and its spinoff, Angel.

Trachtenberg, who played Buffy’s younger sister, Dawn Summers, from 2000-03, responded to a post from lead Sarah Michelle Gellar, who also supported Carpenter, saying, “Thank you @sarahmgellar for saying this. I am brave enough now as a 35 year old woman….To repost this. Because. This must. Be known. As a teenager. With his not appropriate behavior….very. Not. Appropriate.”

Trachtenberg has since updated that statement to add that, “There was a rule, saying [Whedon] is not allowed in a room alone with Michelle again,” Trachtenberg wrote, adding she would not be commenting further on the matter.

Carpenter accused Whedon of “hostile and toxic” behavior on the sets of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. “For nearly two decades, I have held my tongue and even made excuses for certain events that traumatize me to this day,” she wrote in a lengthy message this week.

“Joss Whedon abused his power on numerous occasions while working together on the sets of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel,” she wrote of the show creator. “The disturbing incidents triggered a chronic physical condition from which I still suffer. It is with a beating, heavy heart that I say I coped in isolation and, at times, destructively.”

Whedon has yet to comment on the accusations.

Later on Friday, former Firefly writer Jose Molina posted his own thoughts on Whedon to social media. Responding to a previous post by Buffy actor Amber Benson, he wrote, “‘Casually cruel’ is a perfect way of describing Joss. He thought being mean was funny. Making female writers cry during a notes session was especially hysterical. He actually liked to boast about the time he made one writer cry twice in one meeting.”

On Thursday evening, Eliza Dushku, who played Faith on Buffy and its Angel spinoff, shared a statement on Instagram in which she expressed how her “heartaches” for Carpenter. “I’m so sorry you have held this for so long. Your post was powerful, painful, and painted a picture we’ll collectively never un-see or un-know. Thank you. I hadn’t known it and I won’t forget it,” she wrote.

On Friday afternoon, Buffy writer Marti Noxon said in part on Twitter, “I would like to validate what the women of Buffy are saying and support them in telling their story. They deserve to be heard.” I understand where @AllCharisma, Amber, Michelle and all the women who have spoken out are coming from.”

Hollywood is mourning the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl. She was found dead in her New York City apartment near Columbus Circle early Wednesday morning, just after 8 a.m. local time. The heartbreaking discovery was made by her mother, according to police sources.

A Mysterious Passing—What Went Wrong?

Reports suggest that Trachtenberg recently underwent a liver transplant, and complications may have played a role in her untimely death. While initial findings indicate she died of natural causes, an autopsy is still pending to confirm the exact cause.

Sources say the actress was last seen out with friends at Sartiano’s in NYC just last Thursday. However, in recent months, fans expressed concern over her frail and gaunt appearance in social media photos. In response, Michelle clapped back at critics, firmly stating:

“Explain to me how I look sick… I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”

She also denied ever having plastic surgery and reassured fans that she was “happy and healthy.”

From Child Star to Hollywood Icon

Born in New York City, Michelle made her acting debut as a child star, appearing in Nickelodeon projects like The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Harriet the Spy.

Her breakout moment came in 2000 when she landed the role of Dawn Summers—Buffy’s younger sister—on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The role earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination and cemented her status as a rising star.

Just last month, she posted a nostalgic photo with Sarah Michelle Gellar, reminiscing on their days as on-screen sisters, captioning it:

“Slay all day! Always loved this twinning photo of us! #buffy #dawn #sister #womancrushwednesday.”

Her Villainous Side—The Gossip Girl Era

Michelle continued her Hollywood reign with guest roles on shows like Weeds and Mercy, but it was her portrayal of Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl that made her an unforgettable TV villain.

“It’s kind of easy to be evil when you’re saying evil things,” she once told Seventeen in 2009.

Her portrayal of Georgina earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV Villain in 2012. She even reprised the role in HBO’s Gossip Girl reboot in 2022, proving her impact on the franchise.

A Final Farewell

Despite her struggles, Michelle’s legacy in Hollywood is undeniable. From her early days in Nickelodeon to becoming one of TV’s most iconic troublemakers, she left an unforgettable mark on the entertainment world.

A rep for Trachtenberg confirmed her passing, stating:

“It is with great sadness that we confirm Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”

The autopsy results are still pending, leaving fans and loved ones searching for answers. Was it complications from her liver transplant? Or something more?

As Hollywood and fans mourn this tragic loss, one thing is certain—Michelle Trachtenberg will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Michelle.

Actor James Marsters also commented on Friday via his Instagram account. “While I will always be honored to have played the character of Spike, the Buffy set was not without challenges,” he wrote. “I do not support abuse of any kind, and am heartbroken to learn of the experiences of some of the cast. I send my love and support to all involved.”