Joss Whedon Dismisses Accusations Against Him By Gadot, Fisher, And Others

Joss Whedon
HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 11: Writer/director Joss Whedon arrives at the premiere of Marvel Studios' "The Avengers" at the El Capitan Theatre on April 11, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Joss Whedon, the controversial director, appears to have sealed his demise by responding to charges of bad behavior by stars Gal Gadot and Ray Fisher with remarks that should have been left alone. According to an interview with New York magazine, Joss Whedon may have believed that clearing the air portrays him in an even harsher light. 

Joss Whedon Blames Gadot For Misunderstanding

The director of Justice League dismisses Israeli actress Gal Gadot’s knowledge of English and refers to Ray Fisher as a “malevolent force.” If Joss Whedon was attempting to repair his public image, he sure chose the wrong words to do so.

There was a period when Whedon could do no wrong, aided by the iconic reputation of programs such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Despite having directed the previous two Avengers films for Marvel, he was invited onboard to take over DC’s struggling Justice League film after original director Zack Snyder’s withdrawal.

When the reckoning came, it came quickly: Ray Fisher, who portrayed Cyborg in Justice League, accused Joss Whedon of racist and abusive conduct on production that was ignored, if not encouraged, by Warner Bros officials. Gal Gadot, who played Wonder Woman, said that Joss Whedon threatened to ruin her career.

Whedon refuted the accusation in an interview with the New York Times. He then stated that Gadot’s poor command of the English language was to blame.

Whedon used significantly more inappropriate language when referring to Ray Fisher, who made serious claims of racial conduct on the set of Justice League than he did when referring to Gal Gadot.

Ray Fisher’s lengthy tweet about Joss Whedon’s reportedly harsh on-set behavior, as well as Gal Gadot’s assertion that he endangered her career, sparked outrage. Accusations were leveled at members of the Buffy and other programs’ casts and crews, most notably actors Charisma Carpenter and Michelle Trachtenberg. Joss Whedon’s reactions in New York magazine were either dismissive or contemptuous.