Carly Hughes exits ABC’s ‘American Housewife’ amid discrimination allegations
The actress has been a series regular since the show's 2016 debut.
It looks like there may be some more trouble brewing at ABC after American Housewife actress Carly Hughes alleged discrimination at the network.
According to Deadline, the actress—who is the only series regular on their half-hour comedy—has decided to leave the show after making complaints about a toxic work environment and discrimination on set.
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Hughes has maintained her role as Angela, one the main character’s BFFs, since the show premiered in 2016. She’s featured in several season 5 episodes that were filmed before the coronavirus pandemic forced production to shut down earlier this year.
In a statement to the outlet, Hughes revealed that she left the show “to protect myself from that type of discrimination,” but she didn’t go into detail about the allegations.
“As a Black woman in entertainment, I feel the responsibility to stand up for what I deserve, what we all deserve–to be treated equally,” she said. “I wish the show well, and I am excited for a new chapter and to be able to pursue the opportunities ahead.”
A spokesperson for American Housewife told Deadline that Hughes’ concerns were addressed.
“Carly was a valued member of the cast, and we had hoped she would return to the show this season,” the spokesperson said. “The concerns she raised led to positive changes to the workplace and improvements to the culture, but we respect the decision she made to move on. We wish her nothing but the best.”
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While the public doesn’t know what the actual issues were, it looks like they made an impact because the show’s creator, Sarah Dunn, “is no longer an active producer on the show,” according to the outlet.
Deadline reports that an investigation was conducted and Mark J. Greenberg has stepped down as line producer, and showrunners Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz took part in “sensitivity training.”
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