Alyssa Milano has addressed rumours suggesting she played a role in Shannon Doherty’s departure from the popular fantasy drama series Charmed in 2001.
During a panel in Orlando, Milano told fans: “I knew this was going to come up in one way or another, and I want to be very thoughtful in how I respond to any of this, and I will just say that I’m sad.”
She failed to deny the claims, as she continued: “I don’t think it’s really that I’m sad for me or my life or how it does or does not affect my life.”
She said: “I’m the most sad for the fans. I am the most sad that a show that has meant so much to so many people has been tarnished by a toxicity that is still to this day almost a quarter of a century later still happening.”
“I’m sad that people can’t move past it. I’m sad that we all can’t just celebrate the success of a show that meant so much to all of us.
“I have worked super hard in my life in the last 25 years to heal all of my trauma, and that’s not just all the trauma that I experienced while shooting but all of my trauma.
“I’ve worked really hard to heal the bits because I understand that hurt people hurt people and my intention is to be a healed person that helps heal people.”
Charmed, which aired for eight seasons starting in 1998, is a fantasy drama series created by Constance M. Burge and produced by Aaron Spelling and his company, Spelling Television. Despite its significant success, the show was often overshadowed by rumours of off-screen disputes and the notable exit of Doherty, one of its most prominent stars, after three seasons.
Milano’s comments come after a conversation between her former co-stars, Holly Marie Combs and Shannon Doherty, on Doherty’s podcast, “Let’s Be Clear.”
During the discussion, Combs revealed that a producer had informed her at the time of Doherty’s departure after the third season, saying, “We were informed by Alyssa that it was either her or Shannen, with Alyssa threatening to sue for a hostile work environment.”
In 2018, the CW network revived the series with a new cast featuring Madeleine Mantock, Melonie Diaz, and Sarah Jeffery.
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