Three former crew members of the popular show “Doctor Odyssey” have taken legal action against Disney and 20th Century Studios, alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination. Caroline Mack, Alicia Haverland, and Ava Steinbrenner filed a lawsuit on May 30, claiming that the props department bosses fostered a toxic environment of sexual harassment and retaliation. The trio, who worked in the props department in 2024, accused their bosses of various misconduct, including sexual harassment, failure to prevent harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and negligent supervision.
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The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, sheds light on the alleged mistreatment the crew members faced while working on the set of “Doctor Odyssey.” According to the complaint obtained by PEOPLE, the women claimed that assistant prop master Tyler Patton and his male colleagues subjected them to a prolonged period of sexual harassment. Furthermore, they accused Tyler’s wife, Tammie Patton, who was the prop master, of turning a blind eye to the harassment and even retaliating against them for speaking up.
The women detailed instances where they were allegedly bombarded with sexual jokes, comments, gestures, and unwanted touching by Tyler and his associates. The lawsuit described a work environment filled with inappropriate and sexualized comments towards women, often in the presence of management. Despite the crew members expressing discomfort and frustration, the suit alleges that no action was taken by the management to address the behaviour.
Notably, the lawsuit also highlighted that Tyler Patton had a history of prior allegations of sexual harassment from his time working on the set of “House.” Despite this knowledge, the plaintiffs claim that Tyler was hired for “Doctor Odyssey,” where his behaviour continued unchecked, leading to a toxic work environment for the crew members. The lawsuit further alleged that after the women voiced their complaints, they faced increased retaliation from both Tyler and Tammie, ultimately resulting in their wrongful termination.
The legal action taken by Mack, Haverland, and Steinbrenner aims to hold Disney and 20th Century Studios accountable for the alleged misconduct and mistreatment they experienced on the set of the show. The lawsuit does not implicate any of the cast members or the creator of “Doctor Odyssey,” Ryan Murphy. The legal battle underscores the importance of addressing workplace harassment and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all employees in the entertainment industry.
As the case proceeds, it will be crucial to examine the evidence and testimonies presented by both parties to determine the validity of the allegations. The lawsuit highlights the significance of taking a stand against workplace harassment and seeking justice for those who have been wronged. The outcome of this legal dispute could have significant implications for the entertainment industry and reinforce the need for accountability and transparency in all workplaces.
The courage of Mack, Haverland, and Steinbrenner in coming forward with their allegations serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against misconduct and standing up for one’s rights in the workplace. Their bravery in pursuing legal action against a major entertainment company sends a powerful message about the need to address and eradicate harassment in all industries. The case will undoubtedly spark conversations about workplace dynamics and the responsibilities of employers to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all employees.